Vito Dumas

Vito Dumas (Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 26, 1900 – March 28, 1965) was a prominent Argentine solo sailor and adventurer, known for his remarkable achievements in long-distance single-handed sailing. Dumas excelled in various fields, including swimming, athletics, photography, painting, and writing. However, it was his indomitable spirit and unparalleled solo sailing expeditions that truly distinguished him as one of the greatest solo navigators of all time.

Dumas embarked on daring voyages that were deemed impossible, not only due to the challenging routes he chose but also because of the demanding sailing conditions he faced. He braved the vast seas in small wooden boats, devoid of any modern conveniences such as motors, electricity, or crew. These formidable challenges did not deter him but rather fueled his determination to conquer the elements.

Throughout his expeditions, Dumas encountered a myriad of hardships. He battled ferocious hurricanes, suffered from scurvy and severe infections, endured scarcity of water and food supplies, and even faced perilous encounters with whales. His unwavering resolve was tested to the extreme, as he was willing to sacrifice his own limb to save his life. At one point, he contemplated opening the floodgates of his vessel, willing to sink and end his protracted struggle in the vast and unforgiving ocean.

Dumas etched his name in history by becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo along the treacherous "southern route." This route, previously considered impassable since the 16th century when European explorers set sail, came to be known as the "roaring forties" – a circumnavigation along the 40th parallel in the southern hemisphere, unobstructed by land masses and subjected to the relentless onslaught of fierce winds and monumental waves. Admirable sailors such as Moitessier, Robin Knox Johnston, and Chichester regard Dumas as their esteemed "Maestro" in the art of navigating through tempestuous conditions.

Dumas documented his extraordinary voyages in four books: Sólo rumbo a la Cruz del Sur (Heading towards the Southern Cross alone), Los cuarenta bramadores (Alone through the Roaring Forties), El crucero de lo imprevisto (The cruise of the unexpected), and El viaje del Sirio (The journey of the Sirius). These captivating accounts of his maritime escapades have been translated into numerous languages, with The Roaring Forties now considered a timeless classic in nautical literature.

Dumas received countless accolades and honors throughout his illustrious nautical career. His expeditions garnered worldwide attention, gracing the pages of newspapers, magazines, and news programs, both within and beyond the maritime sphere. Furthermore, he was bestowed with the highest distinctions in various countries, and his legendary status was immortalized in popular songs, comic strips, and films.

In recognition of his pioneering contributions to solo navigation, Vito Dumas was honored by the Cruising Club of America with the prestigious Blue Water Medal, awarded “Without Date”, the most esteemed recognition a sailor can receive.

Even decades after his awe-inspiring journeys, Vito Dumas continues to be revered within the nautical community and remains an enduring figure of inspiration. His extraordinary achievements and unwavering spirit continue to captivate the imaginations of sailors and adventurers worldwide.

Single-handed circunnavigation through the Roaring Forties.

On 27 June 1942, while the world was in the depths of World War II, he set out on a single-handed circumnavigation of the Southern Ocean. He left Buenos Aires in June, sailing LEHG II, a 31-foot ketch an acronym representing "four names which marked my life". He had only the most basic and makeshift gear; he had no radio, for fear of being shot as a spy, and was forced to stuff his clothes with newspaper to keep warm.

With only three landfalls, the legs of his trip were the longest that had been made by a single-hander, and in the most ferocious oceans on the Earth; but most of all, it was a powerful retort to a world which had chosen to divide itself by war. He recounted the experience in his book Los Cuarenta Bramadores: La Vuelta al Mundo Por la "Ruta Imposible" (Alone Through The Roaring Forties).

He donated his boat to the Argentine Navy for training, but after a few years it was neglected, and was finally wrecked against a pier at the entrance of La Plata's port in 1966. A wealthy Argentine yachtsman paid to have it restored and donated it to the Argentina Naval Museum in Tigre, a coastal river town on a backwater of the River Plate. The LEHG II is now on display in Tigre, which is a short train ride from Buenos Aires.

Dumas was the inspiration for an Argentine tango entitled Navegante, written by Jaime Yanin (music) and José Horacio Staffolani (lyrics). It was recorded in Buenos Aires on 5 August 1943 by the Orquesta típica of Carlos di Sarli, featuring Roberto Rufino on vocals.