Irish sailor to complete one of the world’s toughest endurance races

Almost a year at sea and 40,000 nautical miles around the world.

The Dublin man is close to finishing his first full lap of the globe.

First sailing transatlantic with his father, he is now a full-time sailing instructor.

Formerly a tech engineer, the reason he says he applied for the role of First Mate is that he “wanted to sail around the world and get paid!”

“I wanted to do the North Pacific. The opportunity to lead people on a grander scale than as a skipper on small boats. I felt I could do the job and it would suit me. I have connected with people and helped make them better sailors, and done it safely”, he said.  

He felt a great sense of personal growth and development when fulfilling the role. Despite it may have taken a bit of a toll on his mental health, he said “physically”, he could do it again.

Brian is one of some 200 people participating in this sailing event, founded in 1995 by sailing icon Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, that trains experienced and inexperienced people to take on six ocean crossings. 

Twelve Irish people have signed up for this race.

After crossing the finish line in Portsmouth, England, this professional sailor and his team will mark themselves among one of the six teams still competing for second and the third place on the podium, after Team GOSH having won the first spot. 

Only a 16-point difference separates second and seventh place.

The crew is made up of people coming from many different backgrounds, including a doctor, a student, a ski instructor, a teacher, and a massage therapist.

​As the final stage of the race approaches, having experienced extreme weather conditions such as freezing temperatures and intense winds, the Race Crew will complete a 950nm race down the west coast of the UK before crossing the Finish Line behind the Isle of Wight.