An interview with Jenny Decker regarding her solo circumnavigation
by David Schmidt 10 Oct 08:00 PDT
October 10, 2024
Jenny Decker on her 1984 Bristol 35.5 C, sailing solo around the globe to raise awareness for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease © Jenny Decker
Sailing solo around the world presents a significant physical and mental challenge for anyone. For Jenny Decker, a 40-year-old American sailor and professional nurse living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, the endeavor becomes an even more courageous mission. Diagnosed as a teenager with CMT, a hereditary neurological disorder affecting the peripheral nerves, she has steadfastly refused to surrender to this progressive and currently incurable illness.
As a child, Jenny’s doctors mistakenly diagnosed her with cerebral palsy due to her delayed reflexes and difficulty walking. Fortunately, a surgery at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, corrected her tendons and permitted her to walk, though it did not eliminate the underlying issues caused by CMT, such as tremors and falls.
Fast forward to the present, Decker embarked on her solo journey from Hawaii in 2023 aboard her 1984 Bristol 35.5 C for a circumnavigation she calls “Just a Lap.” Her mission is to raise awareness about CMT, inspire others, and to generate funds for the CMT Research Foundation, with the hope of discovering a cure someday.
Understanding that this voyage may become impossible with time, Decker aims to fulfill her dream while her body still permits serious offshore sailing. She estimates her trip will span three years and will involve visiting nearly 30 countries.
While the expedition is technically solo, she is accompanied by Romeo, her six-pound Maltese Yorkie, who undoubtedly provides comfort, humor, and companionship during lengthy passages.
I reached out to Decker via email to understand more about her adventure and her quest to earn a record in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first solo circumnavigator with CMT.
Could you share some details about your sailing background and experiences before embarking on this significant adventure?
It was rather minimal! I learned by sailing with friends on smaller boats and joined various sailing clubs. I sought opportunities to gain knowledge about the ocean, participating in activities such as outrigger canoe clubs, open-ocean swimming, earning my divemaster certification, exploring open-ocean kayaking, and working commercial fishing in Alaska, among others.
Surprisingly, sailing itself was the easier part. Navigating, maintaining my vessel independently (including engine, plumbing, electrical, rigging, etc.), and understanding weather patterns were the tougher challenges that felt like learning a new language.
I purchased a boat in Florida, where I further learned about short passages, cruising, anchoring, vessel maintenance, navigating hazards, and assessing my capability to endure solo offshore life.
The Bahamas proved a great learning ground for foundational skills and occasionally introduced extreme weather challenges. Prior to my departure from Hawaii, I had never even completed a solo overnight sail.
When I left Hawaii in June 2023 on “Just a Lap,” my first passage of 1,200 miles (10 days at sea to Kiribati) marked my longest solo ocean journey. In fact, I had never done an overnight passage alone before this trip.
What about solo sailing? When did you first start sailing alone offshore?
I genuinely believe everyone should tackle a solo challenge that pushes them to their mental and physical limits. You never fully realize what you are capable of until you solely depend on yourself to succeed. It fosters a deep love and strength everyone deserves to experience in their lifetime.
While at sea in the Pacific, self-rescue becomes a reality. There’s no one to call for help. I’m not suggesting one must go to that extreme, but a “test” where you can solely rely on yourself is invaluable. Surviving through self-reliance has been the most rewarding act of self-love I have ever embraced.
What prompted you to sail around the world? And how does your attempt to set a Guinness World Record fit into your mission?
In 2016, I became the first person to solo kayak around the Big Island of Hawaii to raise funds for CMT research. The 20-day unsupported journey was one of the most beautiful and terrifying adventures of my life…until “Just a Lap”!
That experience already motivated me to find ways to enhance awareness of CMT and inspire those living with similar conditions. I began sailing frequently with my good friend JR, leading to the idea of “Just a Lap.”
Continuing from your last question, how significant is acquiring this record to you compared to the personal achievement of sailing solo around the globe?
The record itself doesn’t excite me. My primary focus is personal fulfillment and raising CMT awareness in a broader context to drive funding toward research for a cure.
Over the course of my 7,000-mile solo journey, I’ve recognized that my impact stretches far beyond the CMT community, which holds greater value than any record.
Could you share an overview of your planned route and the number of stops you anticipate making?
I departed from Kona, Hawaii in June 2023 and have traveled over 7,000 miles solo. So far, I’ve visited Kiribati, American Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. I intend to stop in nearly 25 countries, covering approximately 20,000 miles.
Currently, I’m in Biak, Indonesia, departing for Sorong today (Monday, October 7). I’ll navigate through Indonesia, preparing for an Indian Ocean crossing around June [2025], rounding Africa, moving through the Caribbean, transiting the Panama Canal, and returning to Hawaii.
What have you identified as the highlights (or “high-tide moments”) of your solo circumnavigation thus far?
The standout experiences have been the last few months spent completely disconnected from the world, residing in small, primitive villages. Witnessing how these villagers survive and their happiness with minimal possessions has been incredibly enlightening. I’ve formed familial bonds with some, transcending language or appearance differences, showing that kindness, joy, and love bind all humans, regardless of their backgrounds.
And what about the “low-tide” moments? Can you share some challenges you’ve faced along this journey?
Finances have undoubtedly been the trickiest aspect of this entire undertaking. Maintaining a vessel in working order while covering extensive miles in challenging conditions demands significant resources. Being in remote locations with limited resources and inconsistent financial support is particularly taxing. Therefore, I must pause the boat for a few months to undertake a travel nurse assignment to ensure I can continue.
I’m a very social and affectionate person, making the distance from family and friends, combined with sporadic contact, quite tough at times. I even lost my partner during this trip because the distance and communication barriers became overwhelming. It makes me question if all the sacrifices are truly worth it in the end. It reminds me of the saying, “Nothing truly worthwhile comes easily.”
I’ve received wonderful support from fellow travelers who come over to hug me upon our arrivals to provide much-needed human interaction. I understand why solitary confinement is punitive. I always say “solo but never alone” because I feel the presence and love of many, but nothing can replace being with the ones you cherish.
Who enjoys sailing and offshore life more— you or Romeo?
Haha! Romeo just lounges and sleeps. He’s a great sailor dog.
Is there anything else about your round-the-world adventure that you’d like to add for the record?
This journey began as a cause for the CMT community, aiming to inspire proof that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Our spirits and minds are stronger than any physical limitations. As I progress and experience life in ways few do, I continue to evolve. My journeys, challenges, triumphs, and hardships have forever altered my perspective on life. I can’t wait to see how it will keep evolving.
Editor’s Note: For more details on Jenny Decker’s “Just a Lap” circumnavigation effort, visit cmtrf.org/just-a-lap.
