Jesse Martin OAM

Jesse Martin is a pioneering adventurer, author, and filmmaker, best known for becoming the youngest person in history to sail solo around the world without assistance and without fossil fuels at just 18 years old. His 328-day journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and living a dream against all odds. From facing countless rejections for sponsorship to enduring dangerous challenges at sea, Jesse’s story is one of unparalleled courage and the indomitable human spirit.

Before his historic journey, Jesse had already established himself as a skilled sailor, completing feats like kayaking through wild New Guinea and sailing from the Caribbean to Tahiti. His solo circumnavigation of the globe captivated audiences worldwide, with over 25,000 people gathering to welcome him home.

Jesse captured his adventure on film, leading to the creation of the acclaimed documentary Lionheart: The Jesse Martin Story and the bestselling memoir Lionheart: A Journey of the Human Spirit, which has sold over 110,000 copies globally.

Following his first world trip, Jesse attempted a second circumnavigation in 2002 with four friends, only to face a series of challenges that ultimately ended the voyage. The journey’s dramatic tale was captured in the documentary 5 Lost at Sea, which won Best Documentary at the West Hollywood International Film Festival.

Today, Jesse continues to inspire through his writing, filmmaking, and travel, living by the same spirit of adventure that first propelled him to the horizon. Though his sails may be at rest for now, his dream of setting out again into the open sea remains ever strong.