In 1965, 16-year-old Robin Lee Graham set out from California in his 24-foot sloop to circumnavigate the globe with just two cats for company — and he successfully completed his journey five years and more than 30,000 miles later.

Through the darkness off the coast of Madagascar, Robin Lee Graham could make out waves the size of a three-story house crashing in the middle of the ocean. He fixed a portlight that had been knocked out by the storm, curled up below deck, and prayed for salvation.

When he awoke, the sea had calmed, and he was still alive — and still alone. But he was almost halfway to his goal.

At the age of 16, Robin Lee Graham had set sail from southern California on his 24-foot sloop, the Dove . He planned to circumnavigate the world solo, becoming the youngest person to

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