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About Bruce Schwab
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February 25, 2005
Bruce Schwab sailed across the finish line in Les Sables d'Olonne, France on the morning of Friday, February 25 after 109 days, 19 hours and 58 minutes. In doing so, he sailed into the history books as the first American ever to complete the grueling Vendee Globe. It was a remarkable achievement and Bruce deserves every acclaim heading his way.
To put his accomplishment in context, by completing the Vendee, Bruce has not only become the first American to finish the race, but he also becomes only the second American ever to complete a single-handed, non-stop lap of the planet. In the early 1980's, Dodge Morgan became the first American to circumnavigate single-handed without stopping, in the then record time of 150 days. It was a stunning achievement that was accomplished in part because of Dodge's true Yankee spirit and grit. Dodge Morgan has been an inspiration to many sailors; Bruce included, and has now joined Bruce on the Board of the Ocean Planet Foundation.
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Photo courtesy of Jeff Scher
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Bruce is a poster-boy for hard work, dogged determination and a never quit attitude that symbolizes what America stands for. Bruce finished ninth in a hugely competitive fleet and was the only non-sponsored boat in the race. By sailing smartly and conservatively he outlasted some of the great names in solo sailing and will go down in history as one of the best solo sailors in America.
-- Brian Hancock
Brian Hancock is a veteran round the world racer who has parlayed that experience into a career as a writer and is author. His latest books are: "The Risk in Being Alive" and "Maximum Sail Power." "Risk" is an autobiographical account of his sailing and travel adventures. "Maximum Sail" is a definitive guide to sails, sailmaking and sail technology.
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Bruce Schwab is a sailor and rigger originally from California, now based in Maine. He is the winner of the 1996 solo Transpac (San Francisco to Hawaii) along with many other solo and crewed ocean races, and was the only American finisher in Class One of the 2002/2003 Around Alone. Bruce has also been awarded US Sailing's Alfred B. Hanson medal for at-sea rescue.
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