In the chilly dawn light at Toronto’s waterfront, Amanda Richardson adjusts her sailing gear one last time before departing for England. The 43-year-old Toronto sailor is about to embark on her second attempt at one of the world’s most grueling nautical challenges – the Global Ocean Race, a punishing nine-month journey circumnavigating the planet.
“There’s something deeply humbling about being alone on the water,” Richardson tells me as we chat near her home in The Beaches neighborhood. “The ocean doesn’t care about your resume or your social media following. Out there, it’s just you, your vessel, and whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you.”
Richardson, a former financial analyst who left Bay Street eight years ago to pursue her sailing dreams, completed her first global circumnavigation in 2019. The experience, while successful, left her hungry for more.
“The first time was about proving I could do it,” she explains, checking weather patterns on her specialized marine navigation app. “This time, I’m racing against myself, pushing my limits even further.”
The Global Ocean Race is no weekend sailing excursion. Participants face treacherous conditions including 50-foot waves, hurricane-force winds, and extreme isolation. Sailors navigate approximately 30,000 nautical miles through some of the world’s most dangerous waters, including the notorious Southern Ocean.
Toronto’s sailing community has rallied behind Richardson, with local maritime businesses providing equipment and sponsorship. “Amanda represents the best of our city’s spirit,” says Marcus Chen, president of the Ontario Sailing Association. “She’s fearless, meticulous, and deeply committed to representing Canadian sailing on the world stage.”
Richardson’s vessel, aptly named “Toronto Spirit,” has undergone extensive modifications for this journey. The 40-foot racing yacht features cutting-edge navigation systems, reinforced hull structures, and sustainability upgrades including solar panels and water purification systems.
“Last race, I learned how precious resources become when you’re months from shore,” Richardson notes, showing me the compact but efficient living quarters below deck. “Every drop of water, every bit of food – you become intensely aware of your consumption.”
The psychological challenges of the race often exceed the physical ones. Sailors typically sleep in 20-minute intervals for months, battling extreme fatigue, isolation, and the constant vigilance required to navigate safely.
Dr. Elena Mikhailov, a sports psychologist who has worked with Richardson, highlights the mental fortitude required. “Amanda possesses exceptional psychological resilience. The isolation alone would break many people, but she’s developed strategies to maintain mental clarity during extended solitude.”
Richardson will compete against 24 other sailors from 12 countries. While not the only Canadian, she’s the only Torontonian in this year’s race.
Local grade school teacher Jennifer Wong has incorporated Richardson’s journey into her curriculum. “My students track Amanda’s progress daily,” Wong explains. “It’s a wonderful way to teach geography, meteorology, and persistence all at once.”
The race begins next week in Southampton, England, with Richardson and other competitors making scheduled stops in Cape Town, Auckland, and Punta del Este before finishing back in Southampton next May.
Richardson admits that leaving Toronto’s comforts for the perils of open ocean sailing isn’t always easy. “There are moments when I question my sanity,” she laughs. “Especially during Toronto summers when everyone’s enjoying patio season and I’m preparing to face gale-force winds in the Southern Ocean.”
But her passion for sailing transcends comfort. “The sea teaches you who you really are,” she reflects. “When you’re thousands of miles from land, facing massive waves and howling winds, all pretenses disappear. You discover your true self.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow recognized Richardson at a small ceremony yesterday, presenting her with a city flag to carry on her journey. “Amanda embodies the adventurous spirit that makes Toronto special,” Mayor Chow said. “She carries our city’s name across every ocean.”
For Richardson, this race represents more than personal achievement. She’s partnered with local environmental organization Lake Ontario Waterkeeper to raise awareness about water conservation and marine protection.
“The oceans connect us all,” Richardson emphasizes. “What we do here in Toronto eventually impacts waters around the world. I hope my journey helps people understand that connection.”
As Richardson prepares for departure, she takes one last look at Toronto’s skyline. “This city gave me my start, my training grounds on Lake Ontario,” she says quietly. “Wherever I sail, I carry Toronto with me.”
Follow Richardson’s journey through her satellite tracker at the Global Ocean Race official website, where Toronto residents can send messages of support throughout her nine-month odyssey.
