Steve White is undertaking arguably sailing's toughest challenge -- circumnavigating the globe solo in the wrong direction.
Steve White is undertaking arguably sailing's toughest challenge -- circumnavigating the globe solo in the wrong direction.
Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
More than twice as many people have walked on the moon as have successfully managed the challenge that lies in store for White in 2016.
More than twice as many people have walked on the moon as have successfully managed the challenge that lies in store for White in 2016.
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White will be going against the prevailing winds, making it particularly treacherous.
White will be going against the prevailing winds, making it particularly treacherous.
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The British sailor is no stranger to adversity, having repeatedly remortgaged his home to pursue his ambitions on the high seas.
The British sailor is no stranger to adversity, having repeatedly remortgaged his home to pursue his ambitions on the high seas.
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This particular challenge -- known as the "Westabout" -- is expected to cost in the region of $1.2 million.
This particular challenge -- known as the "Westabout" -- is expected to cost in the region of $1.2 million.
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Fellow Briton Chay Blyth was the first man to take up the challenge in 1970. People wrote off his chances, saying he was likely to die attempting it.
Fellow Briton Chay Blyth was the first man to take up the challenge in 1970. People wrote off his chances, saying he was likely to die attempting it.
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But after 292 days and 30,000 miles, Blyth returned home to to a hero's welcome.
But after 292 days and 30,000 miles, Blyth returned home to to a hero's welcome.
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The record is held by Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who took 122 days, 14 hours, three minutes and 49 seconds for his 2004 attempt.
The record is held by Frenchman Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who took 122 days, 14 hours, three minutes and 49 seconds for his 2004 attempt.
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The last successful attempt was in 2006 by British sailor Dee Caffari, who became the first woman to achieve the feat and the fifth person overall.
The last successful attempt was in 2006 by British sailor Dee Caffari, who became the first woman to achieve the feat and the fifth person overall.
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White admits he will be severely tested by sailing solo for such a long period of time, often days away from dry land.
White admits he will be severely tested by sailing solo for such a long period of time, often days away from dry land.
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His is a 15-year quest, which is finally set to become a reality with a targeted start date of October 2016.
His is a 15-year quest, which is finally set to become a reality with a targeted start date of October 2016.
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