Szymon Kuczynski, the Polish Skipper of ‘Atlantic Puffin’ a 6,36m long (20ft 10,4in) yacht, secured a new world record for the smallest yacht to circumnavigate the globe single-handed and unaided when he returned to Mayflower Marina in Plymouth, UK on Thursday 17th May.
Szymon, who originally set sail from Britain’s Ocean City of Plymouth on 19 August 2017, spent over 270 days, 10 hours and 29 minutes, alone at sea on board his yacht ‘Atlantic Puffin’ whilst undertaking his adventurous sailing expedition of nearly 29,000 nautical miles.
In an incredible feat of skill and determination the award winning, solo sailor took a classic sea route round the three famous capes of Africa, Australia and South America, with no outer medical or technical support.
Szymon had been living in a space of only 4 square metres for over nine months and remarkably accomplished this trip without making any stops to ports.
Szymon Kuczynski, who self-funded the single-handed sea journey, completed his bold round the world trip by passing his original start point at Plymouth Breakwater.
The Atlantic Puffin then docked at Mayflower Marina where Szymon was welcomed by family, friends and supporters, many of whom travelled especially from Poland, including a TV crew from TVN channel.
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Also in attendance to witness Szymon’s achievement was Counsellor Janusz Wolosz of the Polish Embassy in London and Sarah Gibson, Chef Executive at Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.
Amanda Lumley, executive director of Destination Plymouth, said: “We’d like to welcome Szymon Kuczynski and his yacht ‘Atlantic Puffin’ to Britain’s Ocean City and offer our congratulations on this outstanding world record.
“We are delighted Szymon chose the historic harbour of Plymouth to begin and end his epic voyage,” she said.
“Plymouth is recognised across the UK and world for its stunning and iconic waterfront and high quality, accessible harbours, which host thousands of visitors’ boats – large and small – every year.
“Szymon has followed in the footsteps of many famous seafarers who have set sail from Plymouth to circumnavigate the globe, including Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Francis Drake, and we hope he will enjoy a warm welcome here”.
In the last miles of his journey Szymon said “I feel great about finishing, even more so when I think of seeing familiar faces waiting for me in Plymouth! I have completed my plan and learned so much on this adventure, especially in the toughest times with strong winds and extreme weather conditions.
“No more than 300 people have sailed single-handed round the world and only 80 sailors have achieved this solo and unaided, I am honoured to be one of them.
“It was a very special moment to see Plymouth on the Horizon as I completed by world record attempt, it felt like coming home. I want to thank everyone for the outstanding support; it has been an amazing experience”.
