Galia Moss: Sailing for Education and Hope

Small in stature but big on heart, Galia Moss is charting an extraordinary solo east-to-west circumnavigation of Latin America, starting and ending in her home country of Mexico. The Mexican sailor is not just chasing a personal goal but sailing for a cause that impacts thousands of children.

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A Voyage With a Purpose

Galia’s journey began on November 6, 2012, from Xcaret, Cancun. After 15 grueling, sleep-deprived days in the Caribbean Sea, she made her first stop in St. Maarten on November 21. The pit stop wasn’t for leisure but to repair her boom, replace a water pump, and recuperate.

Her mission, sponsored by Fundacion ARS, HSBC, and Lazos through the Solo Levanta La Mano initiative, is transformative. For every five nautical miles she sails, one child in Mexico is sponsored for a year of education. Additionally, 1,813 miles fund the rebuilding of a school. By the end of her 14,500-nautical-mile journey, she aims to sponsor education for 14,500 children and rebuild eight schools.

“Working on the boat and working on land. It’s not a vacation,” Galia remarks, highlighting the effort required both at sea and during her promotional stops at 14 ports across Latin America.

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A Sailing Career Rooted in Passion

Galia’s sailing career started at 24, inspired by American sailor Tania Aebi’s solo voyage chronicled in Maiden Voyage. A classical musician by training, Galia swapped the concert hall for the open seas, joining a tall ship training program. Seven years later, she became the first Latin American woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo.

This current voyage will mark another milestone—she’ll be the first Mexican woman to circumnavigate Latin America single-handedly.

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The Vessel: El Mas Mejor

Galia’s boat, El Mas Mejor (“The Very Best”), is a testament to her meticulous planning. Designed for stability and strength, it features:

• Construction: Plywood and epoxy with a Kevlar finish
• Design: Twin keels, a rudder, and a flat bottom for stability, particularly in rough southern waters
• Comfort: Spacious interior with jet-style cabin windows offering 360-degree visibility
• Performance: Fast on reaches, though not ideal for upwind sailing

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Fueling Her Motivation

Solo sailing comes with its challenges, including loneliness and rough seas. Galia stays motivated by reminding herself of the children she’s helping. She carries with her 600 letters from children across Mexico, given to her by the foundation Lazos.

“Many of these kids have never even seen the ocean,” Galia shares. Their heartfelt messages inspire her to press on, mile by mile.

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An Inspiring Legacy

This is not Galia Moss’s first philanthropic project. Her previous solo endeavors resulted in the building of 644 homes for low-income families and nutritional support for over 700 children. Her reputation for delivering results has earned her the trust of sponsors and admiration from her supporters.

As she continues her journey, Galia’s story is one of determination, courage, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place—one nautical mile at a time.

For more inspiring stories about remarkable sailors like Galia Moss, visit All At Sea.

Robert Luckock has written for ALL AT SEA since 2010.