Solo Sailor Greg Were returns to Falmouth after extraordinary Round-the-World Voyage
by Janine Hess 8 Aug 11:58 UTC
7-8 August 2026
Greg Were on Hummingbird © Greg Were
Solo sailor Greg Were is set to return to Falmouth late today on 7 August or early 8 August 2026, completing an extraordinary circumnavigation of the globe in his 20-foot sailing boat Hummingbird.
His journey, which began in July 2024, has taken him across some of the world's most challenging oceans — alone, unassisted, and in one of the smallest vessels ever to attempt such a feat.
Were, a 35-year-old South African yachtsman set out with the ambition to complete a non-stop solo circumnavigation. However, severe weather systems and multiple equipment failures forced several brief stopovers for essential repairs. Despite these interruptions, his voyage still stands to mark a record for the smallest boat to sail around the world, once he arrives back in Falmouth.
A journey defined by resilience
Throughout his 37,500-mile journey, Were has faced relentless storms, rigging failures, and the physical toll of life at sea. From battling storm-force winds off Cape Town to navigating the notorious waters of Cape Horn, his determination never wavered. His stopovers — including Hobart, the Falkland Islands, and Brazil — were solely for fueling and repairs after extreme conditions battered Hummingbird.
His vessel, Hummingbird, a Flicka-class yacht, is just 20 feet long — strengthened with carbon fibre and averaging 3.5 knots on long passages. The boat's modest size makes his achievement all the more remarkable.
A historic moment for Falmouth
Were's return marks the completion of a Falmouth-to-Falmouth circumnavigation, echoing the town's deep maritime heritage.
A story captured for the world
Were has documented his journey extensively, sharing updates via his Instagram account @gregor_the_sailor, where thousands have followed his progress. A documentary film is also in production, capturing the highs and lows of his two-year odyssey.
Quotes:
Greg: "This journey has tested every part of me — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But the ocean has a way of teaching resilience. I'm grateful to be nearing home."
Sonja, Greg's Mother: "It's often the people left behind who take the real strain when one heads off on adventures that are real and risky. I can attest to that! It's one thing to be in the adventure and living it... different for those waiting and watching. Thank goodness for modern technology that gave us live updates of progress — it made a huge difference. Well done to Greg the adventurer for his perseverance and chutzpah, and to Hummingbird for weathering the storms."