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What does a sailor do in the ocean?
A sailor navigates the waters, operates and maintains the ship, ensures safety, and sometimes engages in fishing, research, or cargo transport. They also monitor weather conditions and adjust routes accordingly.
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How do sailors navigate in the ocean?
Modern sailors use GPS, radar, and electronic charts for navigation. Traditional methods include celestial navigation, using the stars, sun, and compass to determine direction.
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What are the biggest challenges sailors face in the open ocean?
Sailors often deal with unpredictable weather, high waves, strong winds, equipment failures, isolation, and long periods away from home. Storms and rough seas can be particularly dangerous.
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How do sailors communicate while at sea?
They use radios (VHF, HF), satellite phones, and internet-based communication systems. Large vessels are equipped with advanced communication tools to stay in touch with ports and emergency services.
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What do sailors eat while at sea?
Sailors carry non-perishable food such as canned goods, dried fruits, rice, pasta, and freeze-dried meals. Larger ships have kitchens with fresh produce, meat, and even onboard chefs for long journeys.
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How do sailors sleep on the ocean?
On large ships, sailors have cabins with bunk beds. Solo sailors or those on small boats take short naps and use alarms to stay aware of surroundings. Sleep schedules depend on shifts and responsibilities.
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How do sailors deal with storms?
They adjust sails or slow the engine, follow safety protocols, and sometimes change routes to avoid severe weather. Experienced sailors prepare by securing everything on board and using storm sails.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Born and raised in Maryland, Ryan studied and sailed at St. Mary’s College where he developed his passion for competitive yacht racing. Determined to succeed, he pursued his professional sailing career first on a number of American programs before relocating to France to immerse himself in offshore racing. He quickly started to work and compete on the coveted IMOCA circuit and skippered/raced on many accomplished campaigns.
- 2015: 3-times Guiness World Record/World Speed Sailing Record holder as Skipper of VPLP maxi trimaran ‘Lending Club’ 3 | Shortlist for Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Award.
- 2014: 1st Place IMOCA New York to Barcelona double-handed transatlantic race on ‘Hugo Boss’.
- 2013: 1st Place Multihull division and first to finish Transpac on Orma 72 ‘Lending Club’ | World speed sailing record holder, ‘The Golden Route’ New York to San Francisco in 47 days onboard VOR70 ‘Maserati’.
- 2012: 4th place Krys Ocean Race (New York – Brest, France) on MOD70 ‘Musandam’ | 2nd place Transat Quebec – St Malo on Class 40 ‘Mare’ | 1st Place USA Atlantic Cup offshore race on Class 40 ‘Mare’.
- 2011: Ranked 6th in the 2011 IMOCA World Championship, first ever ranked American.
- 2010: 5th Place Barcelona World Race: non-stop double-handed circumnavigation. 1st prize for video and photo communication during the race.