Captain William Watt Jr’s main purpose in completing The Great Loop while living with Parkinsons disease (diagnosed in 2018) and Multiple Sclerosis (formally diagnosed in 2025) is deeply twofold:
Having spent over 25 years navigating the world’s oceans, Captain Watt is transforming what might have seemed like mounting physical challenges into a testament to will and perseverance.
The Great Loop voyage – a 6,000 mile journey through the US and Canadian waterways- this voyage represents a deeply meaningful capstone: a symbolic reconnection to the sea he loves, despite his neurological challenges.
Facing both Parkinson´s and MS, Captain Watt´s determination to complete this journey stands as a powerful affirmation of his resilience and identity as a lifelong mariner.
Beyond the personal milestone, Captain Watt aims to use his journey as a public testament to the human spirit´s capacity for strength.
Captain Watt hopes is meticulously planned journey – supported by adaptive tools, gear modifications and thorough documentation – will serve as an inspirational beacon. His aim is to show that chronic neurological disorders need not define one´s capabilities and that with determination, proper planning and support dreams can still be realized.
He hopes to inspire others with chronic neurological disorders to navigate their own “uncharted waters”, showing that limitations can be met with determination and that dreams remain within reach.
This journey is deeply personal and profoundly public:
Despite the challenges of Parkinson’s and MS, Captain William is determined to reconnect with the water he loves and prove that perseverance can outpace limitation.
His story will highlight the strength, courage, and adaptability of people living with neurological disorders — showing the world that dreams remain within reach, even when the waters get rough.
Too often, people with neurological disorders are still looked down upon or underestimated. Captain William’s journey is a chance to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and inspire a more supportive and understanding world for all
