New York Sailor Returns After 3-Year Voyage

MYFOXNY.COM/AP - Reid Stowe, 58, will need some time getting used solid ground and media attention. That's because the sailor who spent 1,152 days at sea alone returned on Thursday aboard the two-masted schooner Anna to Manhattan and to lots of fanfare.

Stowe departed with his girlfriend from Hoboken, N.J. in April 2007.

On Friday, he spoke with Good Day NY about his journey.

"It's great to be back. It was an incredible challenge to be at sea for over three years.  It's an evolved physical event. I've just gotten back from the marathon of all marathons. And I feel like a football player who has been beaten up on the field," said Stowe over the phone. He was aboard his boat when he called into the show.

He began his journey with his girlfriend Soanya Ahmed. But a little less than year into the journey she became pregnant and had to return home due to morning sickness. She gave birth to little Darshen in July 2008.

"Before we left, we had an agreement that if I had to get off for any reason, he would go on," Ahmad said. "I knew if he came back and didn't finish the voyage, he would just go back again. There was no way he wasn't going to finish it."

A love for sea adventures ever since he was a young boy inspired Stowe's three-year voyage. Starting at age 14, Stowe sailed through the South Pacific, Amazon River, Africa, Europe and Antartica.

"I'm a professional adventurer," Stowe told Good Day NY.

On Thursday, Stowe laid his eyes on his son for the first time. The boy  turns 2 in July. While the toddler slept in his mother's arms, other family members, including Stowe's five brothers and sisters and his mother, greeted him with open arms.

"It was because of family love and I dedicate this voyage to my mom and dad," he said.

Early in the journey he collided with a freighter. He had to re-cut his sails and repair the schooner at sea.

Throughout the voyage, he collected rainwater to drink, used solar power to recharge his batteries. He had enough food on board for his entire record-breaking trip.

Restaurants donated food, including rice, beans, tomato sauce, pasta, chocolate and spices, the AP reported. Other companies contributed as well, donating money, a GPS navigation system, and more. Stowe's parents also helped.

Stowe had been blogging throughout the journey on his website, 1000Days.net.