Imagine being completely alone in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, knowing there’s no land for days in any direction. Now imagine doing that with just one hand and no legs. That’s exactly what Craig Wood, a 33-year-old from Doncaster, is doing — and not just doing, but loving it.
Craig’s not just out on a boat for fun. He’s sailing solo, non-stop and without any outside help, across a 7,000 nautical mile stretch of ocean between La Paz, Mexico and Osaka, Japan. He’s also making history as the world’s first triple amputee to take on such a challenge — and he’s already a quarter of the way through.
The man behind the mission
Craig’s journey didn’t start on the water. It started in Afghanistan, back in July 2009, when a hidden bomb (an IED) exploded beneath him. He was serving as an Army rifleman. The blast took both his legs, his left hand, and left his face badly injured. He was just 17 at the time.
When he finally woke up from a two-week coma, life had completely changed.
But here’s the thing: Craig doesn’t want sympathy. What he wants is to show what’s possible. And it’s not just words — he’s actually doing it. Step by step. Or in this case, mile by mile.
Quarter-way there: 1,750 miles down, 5,250 to go
Craig set off on 25th March at 4:45pm GMT, leaving La Paz behind as he pointed his bow towards Japan. As of now, he’s sailed over 1,750 nautical miles and is officially a quarter of the way across. That’s a big deal, especially considering what he’s up against.
Let’s break it down:
- He’s out at sea for around 80 days. No pit stops.
- Waves can be as high as two double-decker buses.
- He could hit unmarked coral reefs or tangle with fishing fleets.
- Oh, and he’s doing it all while managing the physical demands of being a triple amputee.
So how’s he feeling about all this?
“I’m really enjoying myself and I can’t really ask for more,” Craig said from the water. “I’m eating and sleeping well… I’ve not seen any wildlife for four or five days so I know I am really far away from land.”
He’s also had a small hiccup: some water made its way into his starboard engine. It’s not urgent now because he’s sailing, but he’ll need it to dock in Japan. So that’s been a bit of DIY work at sea. No pressure, right?
Not just a sailor, but a symbol
Craig isn’t just doing this to tick a world record box (though, yes, that’s happening too). He’s raising £50,000 for two charities that helped him after his injuries:
- Blesma, which supports limbless veterans
- Turn to Starboard, which helps veterans find recovery through sailing
But more than anything, Craig wants to change the way people see disability.
He recalls watching a bird called the Storm Petrel, fluttering around his boat, looking too delicate to be out in the middle of the ocean.
“Some people view me as similar,” he said. “And this is what I am trying to change.”
It’s powerful, isn’t it? That idea that fragility doesn’t mean weakness — that it can exist right alongside strength.
Life onboard: How does he actually do it?
If you’re wondering how someone with one hand and no legs manages life alone on a boat — you’re not alone. It’s the question everyone wants to ask.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how Craig makes it work:
- He’s adapted his boat to suit his needs — including using customised prosthetics from Ottobock.
- He uses satellite communications like Starlink to keep in touch — though it doesn’t always play nice with storms.
- His yacht’s layout and equipment have been reworked for one-handed operation, and the whole thing is designed to be as independent as possible.
But it’s not just about the physical stuff. Sailing, for Craig, has been a huge part of his mental recovery too. It’s something he did as a kid with his dad in Bridlington, and it’s helped him reconnect with that sense of freedom and calm.
Who’s backing him?
Behind Craig’s solo adventure is a whole crew of supporters and sponsors helping in the background. These include:
- Team Forces
- Boxxe
- Collins Aerospace
- Ottobock
- Palo Alto
And plenty more — from rope companies to weather tech and yacht riggers — who’ve helped get his vessel ready for anything.
How to support or follow Craig
You can keep an eye on Craig’s route across the Pacific or donate to his charity campaign via:
He’s also documenting his journey on social media. You’ll find photos, updates, and even voice messages from the ocean on Instagram, TikTok, and more via @Craigwoodsails.
One guy, one boat, one massive message
At the end of the day, Craig’s not out there to prove how tough he is. He’s showing the world that anyone — regardless of the hand life’s dealt them — can do extraordinary things.
Sure, most of us won’t sail solo across an ocean. But Craig’s message hits home: the limits we think we have might not be as solid as we believe.
And if he can push through waves, storms, and silence, maybe we can handle whatever’s next for us — even if it’s just Monday morning.
Words from Craig, when asked how it’s going:
“It’s been a really good week… I’m getting into the swing of things.”
He might be thousands of miles from land. But honestly? He sounds right at home.
