Circumnavigation
Today, Zac Sunderland became the youngest person to successfully circumnavigate the globe alone.
For those of you who sail, you know what an accomplishment this is. For those of you who don’t, suffice it to say this is a feat that tests one’s sailing experience, mechanical skill, determination, emotional resilience, and requires a tremendous amount of luck.
Being a bit of a sailor myself, I’m always impressed by anyone who even attempts this sort of thing, let alone completes it, especially at this young age.
For another story of a youthful vagabond (a New York bicycle messenger at that!), I highly recommend Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi. It’s an inspiring read.
And since I’m sharing, Close to the Wind is a hair-raising story of Pete Goss’ participation in the Vendee Globe, a single-handed around the world race that has it’s contestants race around both capes (Horn and Good Hope) around Antarctica. 
And, finally, for a really scary story about the dangers of oceanic cruising, I highly recommend Adrift, Steven Callahan’s story of this seventy-six days adrift at sea. It’s a cautionary tale, but also one describing great courage and faith in one’s self.
Do you have any stories of personal determination and courage?
Happy Sailing!