JOSHUA SLOCUM

Joshua Slocum

Captain Joshua Slocum (1844-1909) was the first man to sail around the world alone. His craft was a thirty-seven foot Sloop called the Spray. He sailed from Boston on April 24, 1895 and returned on June 27, 1898 in Newport, Rhode Island. On the way, he encountered pirates, ship problems, and bad weather, yet he still prevailed.

Joshua was born in Mount Hanley, Nova Scotia, but came to Westport, which was his mother's birthplace, in 1852 at the age of eight. At ten years old, he was forced to leave school and work in his father's boat shop. He didn't like the job, and would soon leave it. He had strong interests in boats and sailing, and after his mother died in 1860, he ran away to sea. He didn't return to Westport until 35 years later.

Westport was the first port of call for Joshua and the Spray on his world cruise. He also returned many times after, to his boyhood home that he loved so much. In honour of Joshua Slocum's voyage, a monument has been erected in Westport to commemorate this piece of history.

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