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Dodge Morgan, first American to sail solo, nonstop around the world

Discussion in 'General Sailing Discussion' started by brian eiland, Sep 20, 2010.

  1. brian eiland, Sep 20, 2010
    #1
    brian eiland

    brian eiland Senior Member

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    Dodge Morgan, 78, a self-made millionaire who braved fierce winds and endured profound loneliness to become the first American to sail single-handedly around the world without stopping, died Sept. 14 of complications from surgery for cancer at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

    Mr. Morgan was the fourth person in history to complete a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe. Piloting a 60-foot custom-built boat, he had set out to break the world speed record -- 292 days, set in 1971 by Briton Chay Blyth -- and ended up shattering it, arriving in Bermuda to cheering crowds on April 11, 1986, a mere 150 days after departing.

    ...full article here...interesting
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091706823.html

    "Anybody who buys a boat buys a dream," Mr. Morgan once said. "Particularly a sailboat. They may never fulfill it, but they always have the option. Someday maybe."
  2. NYCAP123, Sep 20, 2010
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Here's a good article on Mr. Morgan http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/17/AR2010091706823.html
    1st American, 4th ever; cutting the time from 292 days to 150 days, now those are records.
    "braved fierce winds and endured profound loneliness" 'laid over 11 times, pushed 150 miles in a day with sails furled'. Do the parents who are casting off their children so they (the parents) can get 15 minutes of fame and a some money have even a clue what effect that can have on a child.
    Mr. Morgan had a life well lived. Condolences to his family, but I've a feeling that he's off to new adventures.
  3. SeaEric, Sep 20, 2010
    #3
    SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    I met Dodge Morgan one year ago when I showed him a 36' Monk trawler that I was representing for sale here in Maryland. I spent a few hours talking with him. Our conversation ranged from cruising to the "Whistler" radar unit that he invented. He was a brilliant, interesting man and a true gentleman. I wish him fair winds and following seas.