Next Sunday, August 30th, Australian doctor Matthew Wright is scheduled to set sail from the port of O Xufre, on A Illa de Arousa (Pontevedra), to embark on a solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world voyage. The departure is scheduled for 12:00 noon, at which time he will hoist the sails on his sailboat, 'Agitator'. The send-off will include a 21-gun salute, the highest honor in naval tradition, and a number of vessels will escort the sailor for his first few miles.
The voyage, which will last approximately eight months and cover more than 27.000 nautical miles (about 50.000 kilometers), will take Wright around the three great capes—Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn—and through the Southern Ocean, considered among the most hostile on the planet. The navigator will face the challenge aboard a sailboat of just 11 meters in length , the Agitator, a Rustler 36 designed to withstand extreme conditions.
A long-dreamed-of adventure
Wright, 56, is an emergency room doctor in Adelaide and has been dreaming of sailing around the world for over three decades. He couldn't do it in his youth due to lack of money, and then children came along; however, his experience in emergency medicine has made him realize he can't wait any longer. “I often meet people who planned to do things at 65 or 70, but then they have a health problem. I'm very aware of this and I think this is an excellent time to take the plunge,” he explained in an interview with EFE. His choice of A Illa de Arousa wasn't accidental ; a friend living in Sanxenxo recommended the area, which he describes as “a magnificent place for sailing” with a “beautiful” setting. He also enjoys Albariño wine and seafood.
The Australian's connection to Galicia dates back five years, when he arrived with his boat and moored it in the port. In 2022, he attempted to participate in the Golden Globe Race , the legendary solo race, but a health issue prevented him. Now, instead of competing, he has decided to undertake his own challenge, independent of the competition. This year's edition, which starts from Les Sables-d'Olonne in September with 18 boats, no longer interests him; he prefers to start from A Illa.
A refurbished ship for extreme seas
The Agitator has undergone numerous modifications to enhance its safety. A watertight bulkhead has been constructed in the bow to prevent flooding in the event of a collision , the berths are equipped with safety belts, steps have been installed on the helm for access to the submerged section, and the electronics are protected in watertight compartments. Furthermore, it features two wind-guided autopilots (an Aries and a Hydrovane) that allow it to maintain its course without relying on electricity. The Hydrovane system includes an independent rudder, which serves as an emergency steering mechanism.
The hull has also been reinforced, and the boat has been equipped with redundant navigation systems, including GPS, although Wright maintains that it can be navigated using a sextant and by the sun and stars. Personal safety is another priority ; the navigator will sleep secured with a belt and will have a watertight locker to protect his electronic devices. The larder will stock Galician preserves, canned goods, and freeze-dried food, and for water, it will have a water purifier as well as a bucket for collecting rainwater.
Heading towards the most dangerous seas
The most critical part of the circumnavigation will come when the Agitator enters the Southern Ocean, between 40 and 60 degrees south latitude. There lie the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties, with sustained winds of 30 to 50 knots and waves that can exceed 15 meters. Cape Horn, at 56 degrees south, is one of the most feared points due to its storms, low temperatures, and isolation. Further south, the Howling Sixties are even more extreme, with the risk of ice.
Besides the weather, the biggest danger is accumulated fatigue. After weeks of very little sleep, it's easy to make mistakes during maneuvers or repairs. Wright will have to rest in very short intervals, sometimes only twenty minutes . To better cope with the solitude, he has loaded the ship with books and audiobooks. "The human voice is very comforting when you're out there alone," he confessed. He also plans to send short messages whenever possible to update his status.
Real-time monitoring and institutional support
The progress of the voyage can be followed on the website agitator.gal, where positioning data and messages sent by Wright will be updated. The sailboat is equipped with a continuous transmission system. A documentary is planned for the end of the adventure to promote the event, featuring footage recorded with two GoPro cameras and a drone that can only be used in light winds.
The project is sponsored by the A Illa de Arousa Town Council and the Dorna Traditional Sailing School, who aim to promote the island as a high-quality tourist destination. A sign on each side of the boat will display the island's name : “From A Illa de Arousa” and “To A Illa de Arousa.” The organizers have asked accompanying vessels to maintain a safe distance so as not to interfere with the sailor's maneuvers.
The departure will be a public event, and a large turnout of locals and visitors is expected. The port of O Xufre has prepared a special operation for the occasion. Additionally, a discussion was held this Tuesday at the A Illa Canning Interpretation Center, where Wright explained the details of his challenge and answered questions from the audience. The Australian doctor emphasized that solo sailing is his “ultimate challenge” and that only between 40% and 60% of those who attempt it succeed.
As for food, in addition to canned and freeze-dried items, he will carry a bucket to collect rainwater in case the water treatment plant fails. His experience in emergency medicine has given him a unique perspective on the risks: “Fatigue is the most treacherous enemy, because it makes you make mistakes you wouldn't make under normal circumstances.” The physical and mental preparation has been intense , but Wright is confident in the Agitator's capabilities.
The project not only seeks a personal challenge but also aims to promote A Illa de Arousa as a high-quality nautical destination. This initiative aligns with the town's maritime identity, and both the Town Council and the Escola Dorna sailing academy have expressed their pride that Wright chose this location as his starting and ending point. Real-time tracking will allow followers worldwide to experience the adventure from home , with continuous updates on position and news.
Over the next few months, Wright will face extreme conditions, solitude, and uncertainty. However, his determination and the boat's preparation allow him to approach this adventure with optimism. A solo circumnavigation remains one of the greatest feats a human being can achieve , and Matthew Wright is about to write a new chapter in this story.
With this expedition, Matthew Wright faces one of the greatest challenges in ocean navigation. According to his estimates, only between 40% and 60% of those who attempt it succeed. If all goes according to plan, the Agitator will return to A Illa de Arousa approximately eight months after its departure, and Wright has already announced his first reward: steamed mussels. The adventure, which combines tradition, innovation, and human spirit, will be etched in the history of navigation.
