Listen to Peter’s interview on Atlantic Tales on Clare FM
Update:
SuperValu Kilrush has stepped in to support Peter’s solo sailing journey.
SuperValu are providing all the food required to complete the 8-month journey, a voyage which hopes to see donations raised for a new wheelchair accessible bus for St. Francis Special School, Beaufort, Co. Kerry.
Ei Electronics has been announced as lead sponsor for Limerick-man Peter Lawless in his quest to be the first Irishman to sail solo non-stop, around the world.
52-year-old Peter Lawless is planning to commence his epic trip from Kilrush harbour later this month, and using a sextant and charts will navigate via the 5 Great Capes. He is hoping the trip will take about 8 months, but is prepared for up to ten. The trip is made all the more daunting in that Peter will be unassisted.
“Ei Electronics was attracted by the sheer enormity of the challenge facing Peter and his determination to succeed in what is essentially a personal challenge” commented Peter Murphy of Ei Electronics. “We are delighted to be his lead sponsor, and support a local man in his quest to circumnavigate the globe unassisted.”
Growing up, Peter sailed with his parents, brothers and sister. He started in an Optimist dinghy at the age of four. His yacht is a Rival 41, a standard production offshore cruising yacht that has been meticulously upgraded for the challenge, making her perfect for this circumnavigation challenge.
“The support from Ei has helped me greatly in my preparation for this quest. I have always wanted to sail around the world, every aspect of the challenge is exciting for me. In 1996 my Father came back after a 3-year solo circumnavigation at the age of 70, sailing into Kilrush Marina. He was and remains a huge inspiration for me”, says Peter.
Peter now lives in Annascaul village near Dingle with his wife Kathy, and three children Emily, Rachel and PJ along with 4 grandchildren. He plans to depart in the second half of August. Ei will be tracking his progress closely along the way.
Listen to Peter Lawless when he featured on Clare FM’s Atlantic Tales series earlier this year.
Saturday, May 8th – The mast has now been refitted to WaxWing.
Wednesday, April 28th – The next significant development in Peter Lawless’s preparations for his August departure occurred yesterday when his yacht Waxwing was returned to the water after spending the past eight months undergoing at Kilrush boat yard.
Peter remains on track for his August departure date but continues to complete works to prepare for his epic trip. Peter plans commence sea trials in coming months.
Click here for Peter’s GoFundMe Account
Check Peter’s Facebook page for regular updates
A Limerickman will set sail from Kilrush next August on a non-stop, round-the-world journey on a yacht.
Peter Lawless will sail solo, non-stop and unassisted from Ireland back to Ireland via the 5 great capes using a sextant and paper charts as his primary navigation tools. His journey will begin and finish in Kilrush.
If successful, Peter will become the first Irish person to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the world.
“I estimate the trip will take approximately 8 months nonstop. My yacht, Waxwing, is a Rival 41, she is a standard production offshore cruising yacht that I have upgraded for the challenge, She is perfect for this circumnavigation and has previously completed one,” Peter said.
“Since I was a child, I have always loved survival movies, stories and books. Solo sailing for me is the ultimate survival challenge. You have to be everything, sailor, navigator, mechanic, cook and keep everything working perfectly as well as sailing safely across the oceans.
I have always wanted to sail around the world, every aspect of the challenge is exciting for me. In 1996 my Father came back after a 3-year solo circumnavigation at the age of 70, sailing into Kilrush Marina. He was a huge inspiration for me and we were all so proud of him,” Peter added.
Pater has had to take courses and exams over the years and one of them was his Yacht master ocean course where he learned celestial navigation and the use of the sextant.
“There is something lovely about looking at a paper chart and marking your position along a route,” he said.
”This solo circumnavigation is a big challenge and not a decision I made overnight but I have a great boat, fantastic family and friends behind me and with good preparation and equipment it will be incredible,” Peter added.
Peter is currently undertaking works on the yacht at the Kilrush Marine Boat Yard in preparation for the trip.
Peter’s epic journey will begin and end in Kilrush. If you would like to be involved in the record breaking attempt, please donate to Peter’s GoFundMe Account. Your donations will keep his boat sailing across the globe and back home safely to Ireland.
If you would like your Business name on Waxwing as Peter sails around the world, you can contact the team directly or by email.
You call follow Peter on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and check out his website where he will also be documenting his journey from start to finish including all the ongoing works and upgrades completed on Waxwing.
The Clare Herald will also provide updates and the progress of his preparations for the journey as well as during the trip.
