Teddy Seymour, a solo circumnavigator, marine officer, educator and an All American athlete passed away on April 11 in Eugene, Oregon. He was 81. Teddy touched and inspired many with his accomplishments, his wit and his sense of humor.

Born in Yonkers, NY, Teddy went on to earn a Track and Field Scholarship to Central State University where he became an All American Cross Country runner. He remained a daily and disciplined runner all of his life. He has been honored for over 30 years with the annual Toast-To-The-Captain 8.4 mile Road Race on St Croix.

Captain Seymour was a decorated combat veteran in the U.S. Marine Corp and the 31st black officer commissioned. He served for 7 years in the Marine Corps and attained the rank of captain. After a managerial position at American Can Company in California, he graduated with a masters in recreation administration from California State University. His teaching career started soon after. He loved teaching elementary school in California and later in the USVI.

From southern California, Teddy sailed to St. Croix, USVI, going through the Panama Canal. This began his love for long distance sailing and would eventually lead to a solo circumnavigation. He set sail for the solo voyage on February 24, 1986, from the pier in Frederiksted on Love Song, his 24 foot Erickson fiberglass sailboat. On July 19, 1987 he returned to the same pier. This trip designated Teddy Seymour, of St. Croix, as the first black man to sail around the world solo. For this historic voyage he was recognized and received awards by the Joshua Slocum Society (the official certifier of solo circumnavigators), Museum of Yachting Hall of Fame in Newport RI, Seaman’s Church Institute of New York and Proclamation of Recognition by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands and New York.

Teddy is remembered for being a sailor, a runner, a marine and a teacher. He excelled at each of these. He also loved anything related to biology, jokes, libraries and classical music.

He will be greatly missed by many friends and family members including Bruce, Keith and Maya, his three children and his sister Ruth Johnson.

Soar high dear one!

https://seahistory.org/sea-hi…

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