For many of us, sailing around the world feels like a distant dream — something for those with large yachts, deep pockets, and endless time. But Serge Testa proved otherwise. In the 1980s, this unassuming Australian sailor built a tiny aluminum yacht just 11 feet, 10 inches long, and quietly set out to circumnavigate the globe.
His boat, the Acrohc Australis, was a marvel of minimalist design. Every control could be operated from inside, allowing Serge to batten down the hatches when the seas turned rough — and rough they often were. Over 500 days, he completed his voyage and entered the record books for the smallest boat to ever sail around the world.
In this episode, Serge shares the story behind his legendary voyage: how he built his boat, prepared for life at sea, and what he learned about himself along the way. We talk about the kindness of people he met, the challenges of solitude, and the joy of simplicity.
We also hear from his wife, Robin, who offers her own take on Serge — a man who doesn’t overthink things, just does. As she puts it, “He fixes what needs fixing and keeps going.”
Today, Serge continues to design and build boats — some much larger than his record-setting vessel — but his heart still belongs to the small, seaworthy craft that carried him around the world.
It’s a remarkable conversation with one of sailing’s quiet icons — a reminder that with creativity, courage, and determination, even the smallest boat can take you around the world.
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Seas Your Own Adventure ⛵
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