Text: Dave Proctor / Global Solo Challenge
Image ©Ronnie Simpson
War veteran and Global Solo Challenge (GSC) participant Ronnie Simpson, has an inspiring past. Despite severe injuries sustained in Iraq, he refused to let life pass him by and has since channelled his fierce determination into sailing, embracing every moment of life and the freedom of the open sea. His philosophy is about embracing each moment, creating memories that won’t blur into the monotony of a typical 9 to 5 job. Simpson has chosen a path that allows him to fully immerse himself in exciting and challenging experiences such as his recent voyage on his Open 50 ‘Sparrow’.
Setting sail from Maryland under the cover of darkness thanks to favourable wind conditions, Simpson was aware of the bustling harbour activity and carefully navigated the Chesapeake Bay area with a reefed mainsail.
A sudden wind shift gave Ronnie his first accidental gybe, a minor scare but ultimately harmless. As he sailed into the dawn, he adjusted to changing conditions, experimenting with new sails, and learning about their performance.
When the wind ebbed, he eased the boat along at a relaxed 3 knots, using the engine to rest and regroup. As an afternoon breeze built, he set off on a reefed mainsail and staysail, short-tacking down the bay towards the open sea.
Simpson’s journey was not all smooth sailing. Encounters with large freighters and changes in weather conditions, such as heavy rain squalls, challenged his navigational skills.
A small error – forgetting to secure a loose spinnaker sheet, reminded Ronnie of the importance of vigilance, a lesson he appreciated and learned from. His journey was not about performance, but rather understanding ‘Sparrow’ and her new equipment, preparing for the upcoming GSC.
Approaching Bermuda, he navigated upwind in a southeasterly breeze, testing the boat’s systems and putting its new set of sails to the test. Despite some necessary post-qualifier upgrades, he was satisfied with its overall performance. In the process, he discovered a particular liking for the fractional Code Zero sail.
After circling Bermuda he turned towards Newport experiencing heavy seas and strong winds for the first time. ‘Sparrow’ handled it well, sailing at a comfortable 8 to 10 knots and even reaching up to 225 nautical miles per day; he was quite pleased with the vessel’s performance.
A last-minute decision to steer away from the heavy traffic near Rhode Island led him towards Maine instead. Lighter winds from astern allowed him to fly the Sparrow’s masthead spinnaker until a new breeze came. The conditions took a turn for the worse, forcing Ronnie to weather a gale with gusts up to 54 knots. Despite the challenge, ‘Sparrow’ soared, reaching speeds of up to 19 knots.
Arriving at the Maine Yacht Centre, Simpson concluded his solo qualifying sail, assisted by local yacht centre members and fellow GSC entrant, David Linger. He was touched by the developing camaraderie among the skippers.
Simpson’s journey is one of perseverance and learning. His acute attention to detail, coupled with his love for the sport, is truly inspiring. As a supporter of the charity, US Patriot Sailing, he is also a symbol of enthusiasm for sailing that could inspire many, particularly fellow military veterans.
His preparation and sailing journey can be followed on his website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, platforms where he frequently updates his progress. Visit his website at www.ronniesimpsonracing.com or search for ‘Ronnie Simpson Racing’ on YouTube and Facebook to know more about this remarkable sailor’s journey.
Click here for info on refitting the Open 50 Sparrow on the GSC website