Sailing Around The World: One For The Books

Bermuda sailor Alan Paris made history when he circumnavigated the globe

On May 11, 2003, after 196 days at sea, Alan Paris sailed into the history books as the first Bermudian - and only the 125th person ever - to single-handedly sail around the world.

For the 37-year-old hotel manager, completing the Around Alone 2002-2003 race was the culmination of years of planning and preparation to make a dream come true.

Paris's voyage captured the imagination of all Bermudians, especially school children, who participated in an initiative directed by the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute entitled "Learn Around the World 2002." The programme involved 18 public and private schools as well as the Bermuda Ministry of Youth and Sport's After School Programme in a curriculum to "combine the natural curiosity of school-age children with a real-life sporting event."

The programme covered topics such as nautical terms, water safety, knot tying, latitude and longitude, diet, and physical training. Many schools combined these elements with in-house learning projects covering the geography and sociology of each country that the race visited.

Onboard technology allowed global communication, and weekly question-and-answer sessions provided interactive learning. Questions were sent via satellite to Paris's boat throughout the race. He would reply via e-mail and answers also were posted on his Website, www.aroundalone2002.com. This site and the "Learn Around the World" section continue to be learning resources for students.

Paris's boat, BTC Velocity, was on display at BUEI until early 2005. There are plans to permanently display the boat in St. George's as an interactive educational exhibit. Items used on the voyage, such as freeze-dried foods, charts, foul-weather gear and cooking utensils, add to the authentic presentation in what is now an important piece of Bermuda's rich maritime history.

Bermuda Travel Bermuda is our specialty ~ Excellence is our promise. Individuals, Honeymoons, Family Trips, Weddings, or Groups -- let Bermuda Travel, the best Bermuda Specialist, plan your trip today!

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!