Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —Robert Youens, a 71-year-old adventurer from Austin, Texas, made history by traveling America’s Great Loop in a small Jon boat. These times are approximate, last night, July 31st, Robert passed through Orange Beach at around 8:00 p.m. and arrived in Pensacola at about 9:30 p.m. 

He had left Pensacola on July 12th at 7:30am. Fans followed his progress in real-time with a GPS link that updated every two minutes. Youens often steered for 12 to 14 hours per day and carried 84 gallons of fuel. He made do without many comforts, including no cooler for food. Despite this, he completed the Great Loop on July 31st at 9:30 p.m., ending his roughly 6,000-mile journey in 19 days, 14 hours. This remarkable time beat the previous solo speed record of 19 days, 19 hours, and 50 minutes. Beating the previous record by about 5 hours and 50 minutes.

Youens, who lives in Austin, Texas, is no stranger to adventure. He once journeyed through the Northwest Passage in a Jon boat and holds a Guinness World Record for distance in this type of vessel. This time, he piloted a sturdy Weldbilt 1656MV powered by a 60-horsepower engine, naming it "The Ageless Wanderer."

The journey was not without danger. Youens battled waves as high as 10 feet on the Florida coast. A stop at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam near St. Louis delayed him. Supporters along the way, including two trip routers and helpful locals, offered shelter, repairs, and needed encouragement.

As a thyroid cancer survivor, Youens credits boating with clearing his mind and giving him strength. He says meeting fellow boaters along the route boosted his spirits and showed the importance of community on long journeys. Many in coastal Alabama and Florida see his example as inspiration.

Youens’ accomplishment encourages people in the Gulf Coast and beyond to explore new kinds of boat trips. He believes with good planning and support, even small boats can do big things. Youens says he is not done yet and plans more adventures in the future.