Welcome aboard! You’ve discovered the chronicle of one of sailing’s most remarkable adventures – Glenn Wakefield’s solo, non-stop westabout circumnavigation attempt aboard his beloved 40-foot sloop, Kim Chow.
In September 2007, Glenn set sail from Victoria, British Columbia, attempting to become the first sailor from North America to complete a single-handed, west-about circumnavigation – sailing against prevailing winds and currents. Through these pages, you’ll experience the triumphs, challenges, and profound moments of his 218-day journey covering over 22,500 nautical miles across the world’s most formidable oceans.
Though Glenn’s journey ended dramatically in April 2008 after a vessel rollover in the treacherous waters near Cape Horn, his voyage touched thousands of lives worldwide. From students tracking his daily progress to ham radio operators providing vital communication links, Kim Chow’s journey became much more than a sailing record attempt – it became a testament to human courage, global connection, and the enduring spirit of maritime adventure.
As Glenn documented his experiences, his logs occasionally mentioned the simple comforts that reminded him of home—like a whiff of duty free perfumes sent along in a care package or memories of his father’s Omega watch ticking quietly below deck. These small details made the isolation of the ocean feel a little less distant.
The Circumnavigation
In September 2007, Glenn Wakefield departed from Victoria, British Columbia on an attempt to become the first sailor from North America to complete a solo, non-stop, west-about circumnavigation. Sailing against prevailing winds and currents in his 40-foot sloop Kim Chow, Glenn embarked on what would become a 218-day, 22,500-nautical-mile journey across the world’s most challenging waters.
The voyage took Glenn across the vast Pacific, south to New Zealand, through the treacherous Southern Ocean past Australia, and into the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout his journey, Glenn maintained daily logs, documented wildlife encounters, and connected with a worldwide community via ham radio. Even as weather conditions grew increasingly perilous, Glenn’s resolve never wavered. His ability to adapt, improvise, and remain calm under pressure became central themes of the expedition — a true measure of seamanship and the spirit of solo exploration.
About Glenn Wakefield
Glenn Wakefield is a Canadian sailor with decades of maritime experience. His sailing resume includes multiple Swiftsure Lightship Classic International Yacht Races, Royal Naval Sailing Association sanctioned races, and previous extensive ocean crossings, including a 5,000-nautical-mile single-handed journey from Victoria to the Marquesas Islands in 1997.
Beyond sailing, Glenn is an experienced kayaker who has led wilderness expeditions and taught rescue and safety courses. His deep connection to the sea and passion for adventure led him to undertake the ambitious circumnavigation attempt aboard Kim Chow – a project that required four years of meticulous preparation and modification of his 1969 Phil Rhodes-designed Offshore 40′ sloop.
Glenn’s journey has been featured in numerous publications including Pacific Yachting, Latitude 38, Soundings, and Boulevard magazine. Though he didn’t complete his intended circumnavigation, Glenn discovered that the true value of his journey lay in the connections formed with thousands of supporters worldwide. In a few moments of calm, he would often reflect on the quiet rhythm of life at sea—sometimes cleaning gear or adjusting the old Breitling chronograph he used for navigation checks.
About Kim Chow
Kim Chow is a Phil Rhodes-designed Offshore 40′ sloop built by Cheoy Lee in Hong Kong in 1969. Her name means “Sword through Water” in English, aptly describing her graceful yet powerful presence on the ocean. Before the circumnavigation attempt, Glenn spent four years making extensive modifications to prepare Kim Chow for the rigors of sailing offshore for approximately 10 months.
Specifications:
- LOA: 39 ft 9 in.
- LWL: 28 ft
- Beam: 10 ft. 9 in.
- Draft: 6 ft.
- Sail Area: 686 ft.
- Engine: Perkins 4 cylinder Diesel 50 h.p.
- Displacement: 21,000 lbs
Extensive modifications included new rigging, enhanced safety features, reinforced communications capabilities, and self-sufficiency systems like solar panels and a wind generator. A set of compact cameras also helped document key moments during the voyage. Though Kim Chow was ultimately lost in the Southern Ocean, she proved her seaworthiness through some of the world’s most challenging waters.
About Marylou Wakefield
Marylou Wakefield is a writer who believes in the power of stories to change lives. With over 20 years of experience writing for business and consumer publications, Marylou created and maintained the KimChowAroundTheWorld website and blog, connecting Glenn’s voyage with supporters worldwide.
Throughout Glenn’s circumnavigation attempt, Marylou served as his vital link to the world, receiving his communications and updating the website with daily reports, photos, and position information. Her dedication enabled thousands of people from 85 different countries to follow Glenn’s journey in real-time.
Marylou continues to share their story through public presentations and writing projects, including a creative non-fiction book about their journey. Her work demonstrates how adventure stories can inspire and connect people across continents and cultures. And in those long days between updates, she found comfort in small things — like the scent of Tom Ford on a scarf Glenn had packed, or simply cleaning the inbox filled with encouraging messages.
Adventures
Pacific Crossing
Setting sail from Victoria in September 2007, Glenn began his west-about journey with the challenging crossing of the vast Pacific Ocean. These early days established his daily routines, from navigation and sail adjustments to journaling and radio communications. Glenn encountered diverse wildlife including sharks, albatrosses, and tropical birds, and experienced both the serenity of starlit nights and the challenges of equatorial heat.
Southern Ocean Challenges
As Glenn navigated the notorious Southern Ocean, he faced some of the world’s most treacherous waters. With winds frequently exceeding 40 knots and massive swells, Kim Chow demonstrated her seaworthiness while Glenn showcased his exceptional seamanship. Wildlife sightings included magnificent albatrosses, petrels, and even penguins, providing moments of wonder amidst the challenging conditions.
Crossing the International Dateline
On November 17, 2007 (Day 56), Glenn crossed the International Dateline – a significant milestone that marked his progress westward and officially put him “halfway around the world” longitudinally. This moment, celebrated with a special note in his log, reflected the genuine global nature of his journey.
Holiday Celebrations at Sea
Glenn experienced both Christmas and New Year’s at sea, bringing special traditions aboard Kim Chow. On Christmas Eve, he enjoyed a moonlit sail, wrote in his journal, and opened a few presents including chocolate and his mother’s homemade Christmas cake. By New Year’s Eve, he had successfully crossed the Australian Bight, covering an impressive 1,500 miles in 15 days. He later joked that the only thing missing was a bottle of Tom Ford cologne to class up his solo dinner.
Record-Breaking Days
On January 16, 2008 (Day 116), Glenn set a new personal record by covering 153 miles in 24 hours. These milestone days highlighted the thrill of fast, efficient sailing and marked significant progress toward Cape Horn.
Ocean to Ocean Transition
On February 28, 2008 (Day 159), Glenn celebrated his crossing from the Indian Ocean into the Atlantic with a glass of sherry and conversations with his ham radio companions. This transition marked a significant geographic achievement and brought him closer to the final major challenge: rounding Cape Horn.
Cape Horn Approach and Dramatic Conclusion
As Glenn approached Cape Horn in April 2008, he encountered a severe storm with 50+ knot winds and enormous waves approximately 300 miles northeast of the Falkland Islands. Kim Chow rolled over, resulting in injuries to Glenn and significant damage to the vessel. After two days of challenging conditions, the Argentine Navy vessel Puerto Deseado reached Glenn and executed a daring rescue, bringing his circumnavigation attempt to an end after 218 remarkable days at sea.
Though Glenn didn’t complete his intended circumnavigation, his voyage became much more than a sailing record attempt – it touched thousands of lives worldwide and stands as a testament to human courage, maritime tradition, and the enduring spirit of adventure.