A sailor who circumnavigated the globe seven times and wrote books about his adventures, inspiring generations with his tales of exploration and bravery.
Irving Johnson is renowned for being a trailblazing sail training pioneer, adventurer, lecturer, and writer who spent his life exploring the world's oceans and sharing his experiences with the world. With a career that spanned over six decades, Johnson circumnavigated the globe seven times, authored numerous books, and inspired countless individuals to take to the seas.
Johnson was born on July 4, 1905, in Hadley, Massachusetts, to writer Clifton Johnson and Anna Tweed McQueston. His early life was marked by a sense of adventure, which eventually led him to join the Merchant Marine in 1926. He worked on various yachts, including the Charmian, which was owned by Newcomb Carlton, the President of Western Union.
This opportunity led to Johnson's first major sailing expedition on the barque Peking in 1929. His amateur filmmaking skills came in handy during this voyage, as he captured footage that would later become the film Around Cape Horn.
In 1932, Johnson married Harriet Electa Exy Search, and together they embarked on a series of circumnavigations aboard two vessels, both named Yankee. The first Yankee, a Dutch North Sea pilot schooner, was purchased in 1933, and the couple set sail on their maiden voyage around the world. Sterling Hayden, who would later become a famous actor, served as the mate on board during this trip.
The second Yankee, a retired German North Sea pilot schooner, was purchased in 1947 and rerigged as a brigantine. The Johnsons continued their circumnavigations, completing seven trips around the world with an amateur crew. Their voyages were documented in their own books, as well as articles and videos produced by the National Geographic Society and other organizations.
During World War II, Johnson, at the urging of Bill Donovan, joined the precursor to the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). After the war, the Johnsons continued to sail and explore, eventually retiring from circumnavigation in 1958. They then had the last Yankee built, a steel ketch designed for sailing the inland waterways of Europe.
Irving Johnson's legacy extends far beyond his remarkable sailing achievements. He inspired countless individuals to take to the seas, and his writings and films have educated and entertained generations of sailors and adventurers. His pioneering spirit and love for the ocean have left an indelible mark on the world of sailing and beyond.
Today, Irving Johnson's name is synonymous with sailing, adventure, and exploration. His life's work serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the allure of the open sea.
Born in 1844
First solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe, documenting his journey in the classic book "Sailing Alone Around the World".
Born in 1914
A pioneering explorer who sailed ancient-style boats across oceans to prove migration theories, and led the famous Kon-Tiki expedition across the Pacific.
Born in 1872
First person to reach the South Pole, leading a Norwegian expedition in 1911, and a pioneer in Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
Born in 1868
Led a British expedition to the South Pole, racing against a Norwegian team, and tragically perished on the return journey. He is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
Born in 1874
Led expeditions to the Antarctic, famously surviving a disastrous shipwreck and trekking to safety, earning a legendary reputation for bravery and leadership.
