Triple amputee sailor Craig Wood has embarked on a sailing expedition across the Pacific Ocean with the hope of inspiring others and shifting how people view the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Wood, who hails from Doncaster in the United Kingdom, aims to become the first triple amputee to single-handedly sail across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean in a voyage he hopes will take around 80 days.

Published 5 days ago

A Inspirational Story

Craig Wood, a British Army veteran who lost both his legs and his left arm while serving in Afghanistan has set sail from Mexico in an attempt to become the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific.

Rifleman Wood lost both his legs and an arm when he was blown up by a roadside bomb while serving in Sangin, southern Afghanistan, in 2009. He was just 18 and only three months into his first tour.

Mr Wood, now 33, hopes to sail 6,000 nautical miles (11,112km) solo and unsupported in 80 days, from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico to Yokohama, Japan,  He set off from Puerto Vallarta on 25 March and hopes to reach Osaka in early June to avoid Japan’s typhoon season.

His custom-built 41ft (12m) aluminium catamaran, Sirius II, had been specially adapted to ensure he can continue using it, should anything happen with his prosthetic limbs.

“We have fully adapted my catamaran for the voyage so that even if I have an issue with my prosthetic arm, I can still sail one-handed,” he said.

“That’s not just adding in rails and electric winches, but also reconfiguring the galley to make sure everything is at an accessible height.”

Following the explosion in Afghanistan in 2009, Mr Wood lost 27 pints of blood and both his lungs collapsed.  He was later taken to the Headley Court facility in Surrey for rehabilitation, spending eight months learning to walk again and undergoing more than 20 operations over four years.

“At points it almost got the best of me, but my family were amazing and I couldn’t change my situation, so I came to terms with it and decided to be the best triple amputee I could be,” he said.

Mr Wood said his voyage across the Pacific would be a chance to raise awareness and money for “the two amazing charities that were there for me during my rehabilitation and recovery”.

He said he aimed to raise £50,000 for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association and Turn to Starboard, a charity using sailing courses to support current and retired armed forces personnel.

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Related Links and News:

• Triple Amputee’s Voyage Growing More Dangerous Every Day (BBC)
• 2025 Craig Wood – Pacific Solo Sail Launch Video
• Triple Amputee Sailing Solo Across the Pacific (Old Salt Blog)
• Craig Wood Sails Website

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