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Explorer, writer and filmmaker Tim Severin passed away at the age of 80. The adventurer was famous for his daring attempts to recreate the legendary journeys and journeys of colorful figures such as Sinbad the sailor, Robinson Crusoe and Genghis Khan.
In 1976-1977, Mr. Severin successfully completed the epic Brendan Voyage, a 7,200 km Atlantic crossing from Cuas an Bhodaigh (Brandon Creek) in Co Kerry to Newfoundland.
In doing so, Mr. Severin and his crew proved that the legendary voyage of Saint Brendan from the 6th century, as depicted in the St. Brendan Navigation, it was possible.
Tim Severin set out on the ambitious journey in a 36-foot fur-covered currach that had been hand-built using traditional materials and methods. His route took him north to the Scottish Hebrides, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, circling Greenland before making landfall on Peckford Island, Newfoundland.
He posted details of his remarkable journey in Brendan’s journey, a book that became an international bestseller.
Born in India in 1940 and educated at Oxford, Mr. Severin developed a passion for adventure throughout his life. Among his most notable expeditions is The Sinbad Voyage (1980-81), where he sailed a replica of a 9th century Arab dhow from Oman to China.
In 1990 he rode with Mongolian herders along ancient trade routes and through the Gobi Desert. Other adventures included Jason’s journey (1983), The journey of Ulysses (1985) and The trip to China (1993).
Severin documented his adventures in numerous books, but he also published historical fiction, most notably his Viking trilogy.
He died peacefully at his home in Timoleague, west of Cork. He is survived by his wife Dee, daughter Ida, son-in-law James Ashworth, and grandsons George and Guy.
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