Doncaster sailor Craig Wood has been shortlisted for the Inspiration Award at the Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026, recognising his historic achievement as the world's first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific Ocean.
The former Army rifleman completed the crossing in June 2025, departing from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico on 25 March and arriving in Hiroshima, Japan on 24 June. Travelling aboard a 41-foot aluminium catamaran, Craig covered 7,506 nautical miles. Guinness World Records recognises him as the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific — and across any ocean.
The achievement has already received recognition within the sailing world. In February, Craig received the Seamaster Award at the 2026 Flagship Night in Düsseldorf, honouring his Pacific crossing.
The Variety Disability Sports Awards ceremony takes place at London's @sohoplace on Monday 12 October. Craig is shortlisted alongside Paralympic champions Richard Whitehead MBE and Tully Kearney OBE, amputee footballer Scott Rogers and multi-sport athlete Roy Turnham.