Newport Sailor About to Finish Epic Around-the-World Voyage

NEWPORT, RI—Joe Harris is almost home after sailing around the world.

Harris is due to arrive at the Sail Newport pier at Fort Adams State Park in Newport on Wednesday after nearly six months of solo sailing that puts him in an elite class of sailors who have completed the epic journey.

In fact, there are just 136 people who have sailed solo around the world, a testament to the challenge and danger of facing such a monumental task.

Harris set out to break a world record for non-stop sailing around the world for 40-foot monohulls but was stymiedwhen his hydrogenerators got damaged, forcing a stop in Cape Town, South Africa in December.

That didn't stop the hardened sailor from quitting. He chose to keep going and complete his voyage.

And the adversity continued, with a forced stop in Piralopolis, Uruguay in March for hull damage that led to a 10-day pit-stop.

Harris will speak at a press conference upon arrival, which is expected to be at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, weather permitting.

In the meantime, you can follow his progress via GPS and marvel at his stunning photographs from the voyage.

Photo courtesy: Joe Harris.