Aussie grandfather, 81, becomes the oldest person to sail solo around the world after exhausting 295-day voyage
- Bill Hatfield sailed back into the Gold Coast harbour on Saturday morning
- He had spent 295 days at sea after setting sail at the beginning of 2019
- Mr Hatfield’s daughter Katherine Lembros said she was glad to have her father
An 81-year-old grandfather from Australia has become the oldest person to sail around the world alone without stopping.
Bill Hatfield sailed back into the Gold Coast harbour on Saturday morning after 295 days at sea.
‘Oh, I’m very pleased to be back – I can tell you that. Nice to be on land again,’ Mr Hatfield told Nine.
Bill Hatfield (pictured) sailed back into the Gold Coast harbour on Saturday morning after he spent 295 days at sea
Mr Hatfield sailed westward, which meant he faced stronger winds and currents, and he also fell overboard at one stage
It was his third trip around the world, but first without making a stop along the way.
Mr Hatfield’s journey was not without peril.
He sailed westward, which meant he faced stronger winds and currents, and he also fell overboard at one stage.
Mr Hatfield’s daughter Katherine Lembros said she was glad to have her father home safe and sound.
Mr Hatfield said he is eager to spend some time with his family – but is already making plans for his next great voyage.
He took the title of oldest person to sail around the world solo and unassisted from English woman Jean Socrates, 77, who finished the voyage in September 2019.
Mr Hatfield’s daughter Katherine Lembros said she was glad to have her father home safe and sound