We recently had the chance to sit down with Mark O’Connor, the youngest Irish sailor to race solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland is proud to support Mark on his incredible journey. Here, he shares his experiences, challenges and insights from both life at sea and high-performance racing.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?

I grew up in Dublin and started sailing when I was 12. I’m 26 and studied Engineering at UCD before embarking on this campaign. I recently became the youngest Irish person to race solo across the Atlantic Ocean. I completed the Mini Transat Race in my 6.5m boat, sailing from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean in 16 days, 6 hours, 27 minutes and 17 seconds, covering 3,260 nautical miles. It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced, managing sleep deprivation, surviving on freeze-dried meals and constantly pushing for speed.

How did you get into sailing?

I almost stumbled into sailing by accident. Neither of my parents sailed, and in a sport where many competitors come from established sailing families, that was unusual. One summer, my uncle put my name down for a sailing course, and I loved it instantly. I was hooked and returned every summer after that. At first, I sometimes felt like an outsider, but the club was welcoming and supportive, helping me get started and grow my skills.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?

There were many challenges in this campaign. While most people focus on the Mini Transat Race itself, reaching the start line was a massive challenge, representing four years of preparation. Creating a campaign is no easy feat. I quickly realised that France was the hub for training and support, but I barely spoke French. Adapting to a new culture and language was my biggest personal challenge.

Technically, sailing always tests you. During the SAS Race, from Les Sables d’Olonne to the Azores and back, I hit something floating at night. The impact didn’t crack the boat, but it delaminated a one-square-meter panel at the front, making it soft and floppy. I was 100 miles offshore and still 700 nautical miles from the stage finish. I tried to reinforce it with onboard materials, but ultimately, I decided to turn back to Portugal rather than risk continuing. It was tough to ‘give up’ on a race, but it was the right decision.

How do you cope with stressful situations?
I take a step back and focus on what’s most important in the moment. I make decisions deliberately, rest when I need to, and give myself space to think clearly.

What does resilience mean to you, at sea and in everyday life?

Resilience is about moving forward, even if it’s just a small step. Progress in the right direction matters more than speed.

How do you rebuild confidence after setbacks or mistakes?

It can be tough. Solo offshore sailing is a mental game, and it’s easy to get stuck in a negative spiral. If my confidence takes a hit, I try to rest, as fatigue is often the cause of mistakes. Once refreshed, I analyse, plan, and take my next step carefully. Music and reflecting on how lucky I am to be in the position I’m in also helps lift my morale.

What does high performance look like in your world and how can business leaders apply that thinking?

High performance is about going the extra mile, exploring every opportunity and thinking about long-term impact. On and off the water, I’ve learned to focus on the big picture. I manage multiple roles: leading my team, training as an athlete, analysing weather, maintaining the boat and planning logistics. Planning and prioritising are key. I make detailed lists, from food shopping to boat work, and tackle tasks in order of importance.

How do you stay focused on long-term goals while managing immediate pressures?

It’s easy to get caught up in competing with others and lose sight of the bigger picture. I use small visual reminders, like a sign in my cockpit saying ‘Think Big’, to help me stay focused on my goals.

What mindset helps you step into the unknown with confidence?

I trust my preparation and hard work. Imposter syndrome happens to everyone, but looking back at the effort I’ve invested reminds me that I’m ready for the challenge ahead.

Who are Orbis and why did you sail for them?

Orbis Ireland is an incredible charity I was proud to represent. They do amazing work, particularly in Ethiopia, preventing sight loss and curing blindness. Sailing in their colours for such a meaningful cause was a real honour.

How do you relax when you’re not sailing?

I’m rarely far from the water. Swimming helps clear my mind, and spending time with friends keeps me grounded. Balancing focus with social time is important.

How do you define your strategy for a race?

I work closely with experienced advisors. While I’m alone at sea, it’s very much a team effort. My strategy is built around weather systems, and I adapt it as needed while balancing tactical decisions against competitors. Surrounding myself with the right people and building a strong team is crucial.

Final note

A huge thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this campaign. Without sponsors, none of these stories would be possible. Special thanks to Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland for helping bring them to life.