Young Robinson Lee Graham completed the singular achievement of circumnavigating the globe solo at a remarkably young age.
In July 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham embarked on an extraordinary journey, setting sail from San Pedro, California, aboard his 24-foot sloop, the Dove. Graham's goal was to become the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the globe, and over the next five years, he faced a complex mix of physical, emotional, and social challenges.
Graham's voyage took him through some of the world's most treacherous waters. He encountered dangerous sea conditions, such as enormous waves off Madagascar that threatened his safety and damaged his boat, forcing him to repair and survive alone through storms. One particularly memorable incident involved a squall that dismasted the Dove, requiring Graham to sail under jury rig for over 2,600 miles to Mauritius.
Besides the physical dangers, Graham also endured isolation and emotional struggles. Spending extended periods alone at sea led to feelings of loneliness and depression. However, he found solace in the company of two cats and the memories of his loved ones, which filled his home in Montana upon his return, adorned with mementos of his sea voyage, including photos of tropical beaches, boat-shaped beds, and stained glass depictions of the Dove.
Graham's journey was not without moments of fame. He stopped in Hawaii for a brief period and made a stop at Ascension Island during his last major ocean crossing. However, the sudden fame affected him psychologically, as the voyage demanded intense solitude and focus.
Despite the challenges, Graham persevered and landed in Long Beach on April 30, 1970, successfully completing his solo circumnavigation of the globe. He had spent significant time in the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea during his voyage. Graham's record as the youngest person to solo circumnavigate the globe stood for 17 years.
Graham's life took a turn during his voyage when he met a woman named Patti Ratterree in Fiji. Ratterree accompanied him on parts of his journey, and the two eventually got married in South Africa before Graham's last major ocean crossing. After returning from their voyage, Graham and Ratterree moved to Montana.
Graham's new sailboat, named Return of Dove, was a testament to his resilience and determination. It was a symbol of his incredible journey and the challenges he overcame to achieve his dream. Today, Graham's story continues to inspire aspiring sailors and adventurers around the world.
Traveling across the globe solo on the Dove not only involved adventure-travel but also a rich dive into history, as Graham journeyed through various countries like the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea. His lifestyle during the voyage was marked by periods of isolation and emotional struggles, yet he found solace in memories of loved ones and the company of his two cats. Post-voyage, his lifestyle transitioned into Montana, reflecting a shift from the wild seas to a simpler, more tranquil lifestyle. Sports, however, did not feature prominently in his journey, as it was predominantly a sailing odyssey.
