Bainbridge Island teacher completes one-man, trans-Pacific journey

By RICHARD D. OXLEY
Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
November 5, 2012 · 2:51 PM

Bainbridge Island's Rory Wilson has successfully rowed, and kited, across the Pacific Ocean in a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Wilson braved the open sea in KROS, a vessel he designed and built. The 21-foot-long boat uses a combination of rowing and wind power — harnessed through kites — to cut through the waves.

Others have previously made the challenging trek using just their oars, but Wilson (with his kites) has set a record, making the trip in just 44 days in his small vessel.

His route from San Diego to Honolulu took him 2,275 nautical miles (1 nautical mile equals 1.15 regular miles).

His mother and a news crew were waiting for him when he set foot on the island of Oahu. It was the first time he stepping on solid ground in more than six weeks.

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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