Captain William Pinkney

Sailor-author-adventurer Captain William Pinkney, the first African American to sail solo around the world in his 47-foot sailboat, The Commitment. Out of all the possible routes, Pinkney chose the most difficult one, which would take him around the five capes. He made this two-year 27,000-mile solo voyage not only to set a world record, but to prove to his grandchildren it could be done. By doing so he not only inspired his grandchildren and their friends, about the importance of having dreams along with a good education, he inspired us in the maritime community by his commitment to the sea and his never give up attitude.

After the voyage, he worked as a motivational speaker. Then in 1999 he completed another journey following the infamous “Middle Passage” of 17th and 18th century slave ships. He sailed backwards from Puerto Rico to Brazil and finally to Ghana and Senegal in West Africa. 

In 2000 Pinkney was asked to be the first captain of the replica of the Schooner La Amistad, which was made famous in 1839 because of the slaves on board who were eventually freed by a U.S. Supreme Court decision. As Master of the Freedom Schooner, La Amistad, Captain Pinkney has helped to educate thousands of people around the world about the rich African American history in the maritime field. Author of “As Long as Takes”

Captain Bill Pinkney was also the keynote speaker at the 2010 SUNY Maritime Cultural Club Black History Month Dinner where the OBMG Scholarship Awards were presented.