Bill Pinkney (sailor) facts for kids
William Pinkney (born September 15, 1935 – died August 31, 2023) was an amazing American sailor. In 1992, he made history! He became the first African American to sail all by himself around the entire world. He took a very challenging route, going past the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and Cape Horn at the tip of South America.
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Early Life
William Pinkney was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 15, 1935. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago. He went to Tilden Technical High School and finished school in 1954.
In 1956, Pinkney joined the United States Navy. He worked as a hospital corpsman, helping sick and injured sailors. He left the Navy in 1964.
After leaving the Navy, he moved to Puerto Rico for a few years. This is where he learned how to sail boats! When he came back to the United States, he worked in marketing for big companies like Revlon.
In 1985, he decided to chase a huge dream. He started planning to sail around the world. He spent several years raising money to make his incredible journey happen.
The Big Voyage
Pinkney's trip around the world was a truly epic adventure. It lasted for 22 months, which is almost two years! He sailed about 27,000 miles (43,000 km) in total.
He started his journey from Boston on August 5, 1990. His route took him to many different places:
- First, he sailed to Bermuda.
- Then, he went along the eastern coast of South America.
- Next, he crossed the huge Atlantic Ocean to Cape Town, South Africa.
- After that, he sailed across the Indian Ocean to Hobart, Tasmania.
- He then crossed the vast South Pacific Ocean.
- One of the toughest parts was sailing around Cape Horn.
- Finally, he went back up the eastern South American coastline.
- He ended his amazing trip right back in Boston.
Pinkney sailed on a special boat called The Commitment. It was a 47-foot cutter, which is a type of sailboat. The whole expedition cost about $1 million.
On June 9, 1992, he arrived back in Boston Harbor. More than 1,000 students were there to cheer for him! Many officers from the Navy and Coast Guard also welcomed him home.
His incredible journey was even made into a documentary film. It was called The Incredible Voyage of Bill Pinkney. The film won an award in 1992. Pinkney also wrote a children's book about his adventures. It was titled Captain Bill Pinkney's Journey.
Captain of the Amistad Replica
From 2000 to 2002, William Pinkney had another important role. He became the very first captain of a replica ship called the Amistad. This ship was a copy of a famous historical vessel.
As captain, he led a group of teachers on a special trip. They sailed to Africa, following the route of the historic Middle Passage. This journey helped them learn about an important part of history.
Awards and Honors
William Pinkney received many awards for his achievements:
- In 1992, the Chicago Yacht Club named him their Yachtsman of the Year.
- Chicago magazine named him one of the Chicagoans of the Year in 1999.
- He is a proud member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame.
- In 2022, he received The America and the Sea Award from the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Death
William Pinkney passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of 87. His legacy as a pioneering sailor continues to inspire many.
