Youngest Irish Sailor Shares Solo Atlantic Story at Killaloe Sailing Club

15th January 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Mark O’Connor speaking at Killaloe Sailing Club about his solo Atlantic crossing

Mark O’Connor speaks at Killaloe Sailing Club about his solo Atlantic crossing, sharing insights from 24 days alone at sea during his national speaking tour.

Killaloe Sailing Club on Lough Derg hosted a talk last night (January 14th) by offshore sailor Mark O’Connor, now available to watch online.

The event formed part of O’Connor’s national speaking tour, Alone at Sea for 24 Days, charting his solo Atlantic crossing.

As Afloat previously reported, O’Connor is the youngest Irish person to sail solo across the Atlantic, completing the voyage after 24 days alone at sea.

Speaking to a full audience, he outlined the demands of the crossing and the realities of extended solo sailing.

“The race is one part of it,” O’Connor said. “But it’s the personal journey that stays with you.”

Killaloe Sailing Club said it was pleased to welcome him, noting a family connection with the club through a former instructor.

The talk was streamed live and recorded locally in high quality for later viewing.

The full video is embedded below and available via the club’s YouTube channel.

Published in Solo Sailing, Youth Sailing, Inland Waterways

Published in Solo Sailing

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