A Queensland grandfather has become the oldest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world after spending nearly an entire year at sea.Bill Hatfield, 81, sailed back into the Gold Coast harbour today and into the record books after spending 295 days navigating his solo voyage. “Oh, I’m very pleased to be back – I can tell you that. Nice to be on land again,” Mr Hatfield told 9News.
He has already made three trips around the world but this is his first without stopping. The latest journey was made all the more remarkable by the fact he sailed westward- meaning he faced far more prevailing winds and currents than if he’d taken the easier route and sailed east. Jump in the thread.
