‘Late adopter’ 82-year-old sailor sails solo around the UK

Murdoch McGregor, 82, has embarked on a UK circumnavigation in memory of his younger brother Jim, and has only been sailing since he was 72.

So far the Scottish sailor has raised almost £5,000 in aid of Mental Health UK, reports Daily Record. It’s a cause close to McGregor’s heart, as his bother struggled with metal health problems until he passed away two years ago, aged 75.

In June 2021, McGregor, a member of Forth Cruising Club at Limekilns, Fife, set sail from his hometown of Alloa, Scotland on his 23ft yacht Artemi. He hopes to complete his journey at the end of August.

“My brother, who I loved very much, struggled throughout his whole life with his mental health,” McGregor said. “He didn’t have any problems until he turned 16 but after that he began to suffer badly. Back then there was no acceptance of depression or mental health problems.

“Thankfully mental health treatment has improved greatly over the years and Jim did receive help but he still struggled. His last days were sad and I only saw him look at peace after he died and his suffering was over.

Although he’s only been sailing for a decade, McGregor has proved its never to late to adopt a new passion and has previously sailed to St Kilda, Orkney and Shetland, and the Baltic.

“The purpose of my solo UK ­circumnavigation is to highlight the fantastic work of Mental Health UK, which helps thousands of people across Britain, and I feel my brother is with me on this poignant voyage.”

On learning to sail so much later in life, McGregor says: “It came naturally to me. I’ve always loved the sea and did salmon netting in Wester Ross for four seasons when I was younger.

“I am very independent and healthy and this means I can go on sailing trips by myself and nobody at home has to worry too much about me. The only downside is I can’t delegate any jobs to anyone.”