William Reid Stowe | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 6, 1952 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Artist and Craftsman, Sailor, Adventurer |
| Known for | Extended voyages with schooner Anne |
William Reid Stowe (born January 6, 1952) is an American artist and mariner, and the remaining participant of 1000 Days at Sea: The Mars Ocean Odyssey, a one thousand-day voyage which commenced on April 21, 2007 from Pier 12, Hoboken, New Jersey.[1] The mission had the aim of remaining in the open ocean, outside of contact with supporting ports, for a period of one thousand days, emulating in some respects interplanetary voyages such as those contemplated to the planet Mars. This voyage involves active management of a sailboat under varying weather conditions, and with continuous wear and tear of equipment on the schooner. Hence, space enthusiasts and psychologists might be interested in the effects of physical isolation on the ability of a sailor—alone or with a companion—to deal with these difficulties and to remain mentally balanced.[2] No major space agency has any known connection to Reid Stowe.
Stowe is the head of the expedition and the principal designer and builder of the Anne, the 70 ft. (21.3 metres (70 ft) ) 60 ton (54,400 kg) gaff-rigged schooner which Stowe is sailing on the voyage.[1][2][3] Soanya Ahmad, Stowe's girlfriend, a sailing novice with no offshore experience had been the first mate and the other principal participant in the voyage. Ostensibly suffering from seasickness, Ahmad left the schooner near Perth, Australia on February 22, 2008, assisted by members of the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Subsequently, Soanya was diagnosed with 'morning-sickness' and has since given birth to a son christened 'Darshen'.[4][5]