Thomaston boatbuilder Lyman-Morse hires global sailor to open Portland brokerage office
PHOTO / COURTESY Ronnie Simpson Racing
Ronnie Simpson is seen here aboard his 50-foot sailboat, named Shipyard Brewing after his sponsor, during the 2023–24 Global Solo Challenge.
A professional sailor with experience in the global, single-handed race world is opening a Portland brokerage office for Thomaston boatbuilder Lyman-Morse, expanding the brokerage division beyond Camden and Northeast Harbor.
Ronnie Simpson is a professional sailor whose activity in recent years included the 2023–24 Global Solo Challenge, a solo, nonstop race around the world considered one of the most difficult challenges in sports. His 50-foot sailboat was prepared for the race in Maine and sponsored by Shipyard Brewing Co. in Portland.
Simpson is a combat-wounded and medically retired U.S. Marine and Iraq war veteran who has sailed more than 140,000 miles at sea. He has worked professionally as a sailor, sailing media professional and charter boat captain.
For the global challenge, he departed from Maine for the start line in Spain, navigating more than 3,000 miles of dodging hurricanes.
After completing over 80% of the journey, his boat was dismasted off Argentina in February 2024, ending his journey.
He acquired a Class 40 yacht to compete in the 2027–28 edition of the race.
175,000 miles at sea
Throughout his career, Simpson has sailed over 175,000 nautical miles, including six transpacific races, extensive cruising throughout the Pacific reaching destinations as distant as Fiji and New Zealand and professional work as a delivery and charter captain. He has lived aboard multiple cruising sailboats.
His maritime journey began after he was seriously wounded in combat as a U.S. Marine in Iraq at age 19.
Earning a multimedia degree from Hawaii Pacific University, his articles have appeared in sailing magazines and websites, and he has covered sailing events and regattas around the world.
Simpson’s background in performance yachts, offshore cruising and racing is expected to provide insight and guidance to experienced sailors and newcomers, said Drew Lyman, Lyman-Morse’s president.
The Portland brokerage, at 77 Pitt St., opened earlier this month.
“Having him based in Portland allows us to better serve clients throughout southern Maine and beyond,” Lyman said.
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