Northern Ireland

Derry man overcomes disability to complete epic Atlantic voyage

Derry sailor Garry Crothers waves to family and friends as he completes his 37-day transatlantic voyage. Picture by Jim McCafferty Photography
Derry sailor Garry Crothers waves to family and friends as he completes his 37-day transatlantic voyage. Picture by Jim McCafferty Photography Derry sailor Garry Crothers waves to family and friends as he completes his 37-day transatlantic voyage. Picture by Jim McCafferty Photography

A Derry sailor has completed an astonishing 4,000-mile transatlantic solo voyage despite having only one arm.

Family and friends turned out to greet Garry Crothers (64) as he passed his home at Culmore Point 37 days after setting sail from the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean.

Following a serious motorcycle accident in 2008, the father-of-two lost the use of his left arm and had to have it amputated two years ago.

Always an avid sailor, he became vice-chairman of Foyle Sailability, a cross-border organisation which helps people with disabilities take part in water-based activities.

Mr Crothers said his motivation in continuing to sail was to show others that they could beat their disability.

In March, the Derry man moored his yacht Kind of Blue at Saint Martin, intending to fly home.

However, with airlines grounded by the coronavirus lockdown he found himself unable to leave.

Facing the possibility that he might not be able to return in time for his daughter Oonagh’s wedding in September, he decided he would sail home.

As he docked at the pontoon at Derry City and Strabane District Council offices at the weekend, he was greeted by his wife Marie, daughters Oonagh and Amy and soon-to-be son-in-law Ryan Kerr, as well as deputy mayor Graham Warke.

Mr Warke said: "Garry’s story is testament to the fact that you can achieve so much with passion, determination and belief."