Teddy Seymour

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Teddy Seymour is the first African-American to sail around the world solo.

On June 19, 1987, Teddy Seymour became offically designated the first black man to sail around the world when he completed his sailing journey in Frederiksted, St. Croix, of the United States Virgin Islands.

Aboard his 35-foot Ericson, MK I, Alberg hull design, full keel, fiberglass boat, entitled Love Song, Teddy circumnavigated the earth, taking only 12 stops. On February 24, 1986, after years of preparation, and with only a small pocket of money, Seymour began his sailing trip from his home port of St. Croix. He finished his trip exactly where he had started a year and a half later.

For Teddy Seymour's primary account, and details of the voyage, see his Sailing Journal summary:
Chapter I - No Frills Circumnavigation
Chapter II - Love Song Heads for the Red Sea
Chapter III - Who Ya Gonna Call?

Teddy viewed his trip as an adventure, challenge, and learning experience. He took great risks, and worked hard to achieve his long-held dream of sailing the world. He is a humble primary school teacher, and proud to be the first black man to solo sail the planet. He loves to encourage young Caribbean children to enjoy the water.

[edit] World Sailing Records & Awards

The Joshua Slocum Society, the Seaman's Church Institute, Sea Magazine, St. Croix Avis, and New York Times, among many others, continue to praise his accomplishment.^{[citation needed]} The Legislature of the Virgin Islands has also declared a resolution to preserve his contribution to the history of Virgin Islands maritime culture and world sailing. ^{[citation needed]}

He was given the prestigious Golden Circle Award recognition, by the Joshua Slocum Society: Joshua Slocum Society World Solo Circumnavigation Sailing Logbook

In 1994, The Seamen's Church Institute, a 150 year old non-profit maritime agency in NYC that promotes the welfare of seafarers, held a special black-tie ceremony to celebrate Teddy's sailing feat. Seymour said little at the ceremony but did attend. Seamen's Church Institute of New York

[edit] Running Achievements

Teddy won a athletic scholarship to attend to college, and is a former All-American cross country road runner star at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. For over 20 years (and counting), the Virgin Islands Pace Road Runners club hosts a 4 mile "Toast-To-The-Captain" road race in honor of Seymour. News articles about the VI PACE Toast-To-The-Captain Road Race