Ronnie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry during his senior year of High School, in 2003. He was wounded in combat near Fallujah, Iraq just a year later in June 2004.  After a lengthy recovery and physical rehabilitation, Ronnie started sailing and never looked back! He has worked in the marine industry since 2010 and has cruised, raced and delivered yachts all over the Pacific. Now after 19 crossings between California and Hawaii - 4 of them solo - two South Pacific voyages, and over 130,000 nautical miles sailed, Ronnie was  ready for his biggest personal challenge yet. The Global Solo Challenge - a single-handed, non-stop, around the world race from Spain, via the three Great Capes, which began in September 2023.  Ronnie expertly skippered SPARROW around all three Capes and was in 3rd place when his rig collapsed coming off a huge storm-wave.   Ronnie was rescued at see and forced to scuttle SPARROW 850NM off the coast of Argentina.    SPARROW was generously donated by accomplished ocean racer and businessman, Mr. Whithall Stokes, who said "This is a good race for SPARROW, and it is Ronnie's time!"   While saddened by the turn of events.  We are thrilled that Ronnie lived to sail another day.... and he was already working his next campaign with us while waiting in the Argentina airport.  You just can't keep this Marine down!

Ronnie's campaign is more than a Marine tackling the next challenge- he is sailing to raise awareness of the need for Veteran sailing programs, to highlight diversity in sailing, and the need for sustainable use of the oceans.   U.S. Patriot Sailing is honored to part of his path to achieving his personal goal of racing the Vendee 2028.

"Sailing saved my life"- Ronnie Simpson