A veteran cruiser with a never-say-die attitude, this intrepid sailor soloed across the Atlantic in his vintage , wooden yacht. His personal tale, published in Newsday, is an inspiration for all of us who love the sea and passagemaking.
A past president of the Energy Chamber and chairman of the Point Lisas Industrial Corporation, Peter Quentrall-Thomas is the first Trinidadian to make a solo crossing across the Atlantic Ocean, travelling almost 3,000 miles, non-stop in 19 days.
His vessel, the beautiful white and blue Passagemaker, is 55 years old, built of 35 tonnes of Burmese teak, and powered by a 30-year-old Ford diesel engine.
Quentrall-Thomas said it was a personal challenge to make this crossing on his own. Now 71, it was his decision to retire at 60 to “make room for the next generation”.
“At that age, technology has rendered you obsolete. If you are not up to date you cannot suggest the best solutions. (David) Cameron was 43 when he became the prime minister of the United Kingdom. (Barack) Obama was 48 when he became president of the United States,” Quentrall-Thomas said during an interview aboard the Passagemaker on Friday. Read more.
