September 1, 2023

Tall Ships America is saddened to share that Captain Bill Pinkney, a well-loved member of our community passed away yesterday, in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Bill is probably best known for being the first black man of any nation to solo circumnavigate the world via the southern route—an adventure he shared with schoolchildren across the United States who followed his progress, and later through an illustrated children’s book.  Bill served on the board of Mystic Seaport for several years and sailed as Captain of the Freedom Schooner Amistad in the years following her launch. He continued with Amistad in the role of Master Emeritus as a spokesman for the Amistad story, presenting in over sixty cities worldwide.  Bill was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2021, and received their Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Bill joined the Board of Tall Ships America in February this year. He had previously been on the board of the American Sail Training Association in 1995. Those who sailed with him speak of him with genuine respect and affection as a man who "had a bravery to him and a common sense about how he approached his endeavors,”  and “a man who could really get things done but never stepped away from being a kind and generous person”.

Bill is the author of two books:
Sailing Commitment Around The World Alone – (for children)
As Long As It Takes – The story of his circumnavigation of the world and winner of the John Southam Award. Additionally, a documentary of his solo sail around the world was featured on the PBS television network.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts of condolence, please send donations to Captain Bill Pinkney’s legacy by mail:
Migdalia Pinkney
P.O. Box 962
Fajardo, PR 00738

Our deepest condolences to Bill's family at this time. Fair winds and following seas, Captain Pinkney.