Sailing Into the Unknown

Henri-Lloyd is supporting triple-amputee Craig Wood - former British soldier turned pioneering adventurer - in a world-first Pacific voyage.

A Story of Resilience

At Henri-Lloyd, we’ve always believed in the power of sailing to transform lives. And few stories capture that belief more profoundly than the one being written by Craig Wood -former British soldier, devoted father, and now, pioneering adventurer.

At just 18, Craig was posted to Afghanistan. Three months later, his life changed forever when he was injured by an IED, losing both legs and his left hand. After 27 pints of blood lost, collapsed lungs and over 20 operations, he began the long road to recovery.

“It almost got the best of me,” Craig admits. “But my family were amazing. I couldn’t change my situation, so I decided to be the best triple amputee I could be.”

Part of that healing came through rediscovering sailing - a childhood passion he once shared with his dad on family trips to Bridlington. It reignited something in him. “It helped me overcome the feeling of being trapped,” he says. “A new world of opportunity opened up, and a new purpose grew in me.”

The Journey of a Lifetime

On 25th March, Craig set sail from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, aboard Sirius II, a custom 41-foot aluminium catamaran. His destination? Osaka, Japan - 7,000 nautical miles away. His goal? To become the first triple amputee in history to sail solo, non-stop, and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean.

Craig’s journey is expected to take up to 80 days. He’ll face isolation, towering waves, sleep deprivation and the unpredictable moods of the open sea, all while managing the very real challenges posed by his injuries. But if there’s one thing Craig has proven time and again, it’s that limits are made to be pushed.

Built for the Challenge

For this expedition, Sirius II has been fully adapted to meet Craig’s unique needs, from electric winches and modified helm controls to a reconfigured galley designed for one-handed accessibility.

Henri-Lloyd is proud to support Craig with the technical gear he needs to stay protected, dry and comfortable at sea. Every piece we’ve provided is designed to perform when it matters most, just like Craig.

“Even if I have an issue with my prosthetic arm, I can still sail one-handed,” Craig says. “We’ve left no stone unturned.”

More Than a Voyage

Craig doesn’t just sail for the challenge. He sails for purpose, to reshape perceptions of disability, to inspire those who’ve faced trauma, and to raise money for two charities that supported him through recovery: Blesma and Turn to Starboard.

While the physical journey may be solo, Craig’s mission carries the hopes and admiration of many, including all of us at Henri-Lloyd.

“As hard as it’ll be to be away from my wife and children, I know why I’m doing this,” Craig says. “If I can change lives, it will all be worth it.”

We’ll be following Craig’s journey closely and sharing updates along the way. You can support his mission and learn more here: HOME | Craig Wood