John Guzzwell

John Guzzwell is a legendary yachtsman and master shipwright whose historic voyage aboard Trekka remains one of the most celebrated feats in the history of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) and the wider sailing community.

Guzzwell is best known for his solo circumnavigation from 1955 to 1959 aboard the 20ft 6in wooden yawl Trekka, which he built himself in a shed in Victoria, British Columbia. At the time of his return, it was the smallest yacht to have ever sailed around the world. His account of the journey, Trekka Round the World, is considered a cult classic of seafaring literature and has inspired generations of OCC members to pursue long-distance cruising in small vessels.

Within the context of the OCC, Guzzwell is recognised as one of the club's "legends" alongside other early pioneers. His contribution to the club's history is marked by his embodiment of self-reliance and technical skill. During his voyage, he famously paused his solo trip to join Miles and Beryl Smeeton aboard Tzu Hang. When that vessel was dismasted in a pitchpole off Cape Horn, Guzzwell's carpentry skills were credited with helping the crew jury-rig the boat and reach safety in Chile.

In addition to his early achievements, Guzzwell remained active in the sailing world for decades, later designing and building yachts such as the 45ft Treasure and the 30ft Endangered Species.

He was recently named the patron of the Mini Globe Race, a tribute to the legacy of small-boat voyaging he helped establish.