John Ridgway (sailor)

John Ridgway (born 17 April 1938, died 12 February 2024) was a British yachtsman, adventurer, and environmentalist. He is best known for rowing across the North Atlantic Ocean with Chay Blyth in 1966 in a dory named English Rose III. This journey took 92 days and established a new record for the fastest crossing in a rowing boat, proving the possibility of rowing the Atlantic.

Prior to the Atlantic row, Ridgway served in the British Army with the Parachute Regiment and the Special Boat Service. His military training and survival skills proved invaluable during the arduous Atlantic crossing.

Following the successful Atlantic row, Ridgway continued his adventures, including sailing voyages around the world. In 1983, he became the first person to sail single-handed from South America to Antarctica and back.

Beyond his personal adventures, Ridgway established the John Ridgway Adventure School in Ardmore, Scotland, offering courses in outdoor skills and environmental awareness to young people. He was a strong advocate for environmental protection and sustainable living, integrating these principles into the school's curriculum. His school aimed to foster self-reliance, leadership, and respect for the natural world.

Ridgway wrote several books about his adventures, including "A Fighting Chance," "Atlantic Challenge," and "Round the World on a Shoestring." These books document his voyages, share his philosophies, and inspire others to pursue their own adventures responsibly.

He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to youth.