The manufacturer Life Raft and Survival Equipment of Tiverton, R.I., invites boating enthusiasts to a presentation by adventure sailor Rich Wilson scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 11.
“This event is the first to be held in celebration of our company’s 30th year in business,” LRSE president Jim O’Connor said in a statement.
Wilson, as the oldest competitor and only American, competed in and finished the 2008 edition of the Vendee Globe nonstop, solo, around the world race. He was only the second American in history to finish the Vendee Globe race, and one of only 50 sailors have accomplished this feat — whereas more than 500 have traveled into space, and over 3,000 have summited Mount Everest.
Wilson, a longtime customer, will speak of the hardships, injuries and challenges he encountered aboard his Open 60 yacht Great American III.
The former teacher from Massachusetts created a non-profit website SitesAlive.com for school children to follow every leg of his adventure. He also wrote and published a book about his exploits titled “Race France to France: Leave Antarctica to Starboard.”
Reservations for the free talk can be made at http://lrse.com/30-years.html or by calling (401) 816-5400.
