
This Video News Release is sponsored by double Circumnavigators, Lin and Larry Pardey, in honor of Matt Rutherfords historic solo around the Americas voyage in support of CRAB, Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating providing the joy and challenge of sailing to individuals with disabilities. On April 21st, 2012, Matt Rutherford, 31, sailed into his homeport of Annapolis, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay after completing a non-stop, 314 day 27000 mile solo circumnavigation of North and South America - the first such solo voyage ever in a small sailboat. He made the voyage in a 27 foot sloop, St. Brendan, named after a 6th century explorer. The 1970, 42 year old, Swedish built Albin-Vega sailboat is a sturdy vessel, but not one designed for the rigors of the Northwest Passage and Cape Horn. Rutherford had actually crossed his own start line at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel near Norfolk, Virginia. But he was determined not to step foot on land until he sailed up the Bay to his homeport of Annapolis. Dozens of boats escorted Rutherford into the harbor where family, friends, and hundreds of spectators waited to greet him at the City Dock. After stepping off his vessel, Rutherford shared brief hugs with his Mom and Dad. He was then escorted to a reception ceremony hosted by sailing legend, Gary Jobson, and attended by the Governor of Maryland, the Mayor of Annapolis, and many other dignitaries. After receiving numerous awards in recognition of his record-breaking voyage, Matt <b>...</b>
Americas (Region)
Matt Rutherford
sailing
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circumnavigation
educational
Boat
Northwest Passage
Cape Horn
Arctic
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