Matt Rutherford // Atlantic Gyre Research

#3. Matt Rutherford, the first person ever to sail solo and nonstop around the Americas, recounts the first Ocean Research Project expedition to the North Atlantic Gyre and the inspiration and hard work that got him there in the first place (don't miss Episode 2, released earlier today, when Matt describes the dramatic salvage attempt on the Swan 48 Wolfhound during this trip). Otherwise known as the 'Atlantic Garbage Patch' - the Pacific's ugly cousin - Rutherford and NOAA scientist Nicole Trenholm sailed nearly 7,000 miles to gather and bring back home samples he hopes will help solve at least a little bit of our ocean's problems. The couple spent 80 days at sea, including a short stop in Bermuda for repairs and refueling. This is the story.