UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS 19TH LEGISLATURE

A Resolution to honor Ted Seymour for being the first African-American and Virgin Islands resident to sail around the world alone.

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Bill No. 19-0230
March 2, 1991

PROPOSED BY: Senator Adelbert M. Bryan and Senators Virdin C. Brown and Almando "Rocky" Liburd.

WHEREAS, Ted Seymour from early childhood, had a dream to sail around the world; and

WHEREAS, in the mid-1970's, Mr. Seymour, with the help of a $25,000 bank loan, purchased a 39 foot, 1969 Ericson sloop, which he named "Love Song" in order to begin preparations to fulfill his long held dream; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 45, and after seven years of preparation, and $42,000 in preparation cost, and with $6,000 voyage money, and prayer, on February 24, 1986, Mr. Seymour began his journey from Ham's Bluff in Frederiksted, St. Croix; and

WHEREAS, it took Mr. Seymour 11 days to reach Panama from St. Croix, and 43 days to sail 4,100 miles from Panama to French Polynesia visiting Hiva Oa, Tahiti and Bora Bora; and

WHEREAS, it took him a total of 4 months to cross 9,200 miles from Panama to New Guinea; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Seymour, even though it would have been an easier route, refused to go around South Africa, and decided to go the more difficult route through the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea during an inhospitable winter season; and

WHEREAS, on June 19, 1987 [14 years ago] Mr. Seymour finally made it home 17 months after his departure and became the first black man to sail [alone] around the world; and

WHEREAS, Ted Seymour has been awarded an honorary life membership in The Joshua Slocum Society which recognizes individuals who have sailed [alone] around the world; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that Mr. Seymour, a resident of the Virgin Islands, be recognized for the outstanding accomplishment; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands:

SECTION 1. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, hereby honors and commends Ted Seymour for being the first African-American and Virgin Islands resident to sail around the world alone.

SECTION 2. A perma plaque copy of this Resolution shall be prepared and presented to Ted Seymour by the president of the Legislature, or his designee, at an appropriate ceremony held for that purpose.

BR91-0695/January 23, 1992/CK
Reviewed by: CYPL

Links within this site:
Home Port
Joshua Sloclum Society
Teddy's '86-'87 Sailing Journal
NYC sailors honor Teddy
Sea Magazine Article
USVI Gov. Declaration
Rename USVI Pier after Teddy?
Bio Note

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