A journey of adventure, resilience, and finding purpose beyond epilepsy.

In this blog, Sean, (a Virtual Shipmate who lives with epilepsy), shares his incredible journey sailing around the world. He opens up about the challenges he faced and the unique approach he used to overcome them. Sean lives by a powerful motto, one that we can all learn from and consider adopting.

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A few years ago, I signed up for and was accepted into the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which started in 2023. Taking on the challenge of sailing around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. But racing around the world in a yacht race? That’s something else entirely.

Before signing up for Clipper , I had never even sailed. The learning curve was always going to be steep. Add to that the fact that I was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 13, and the challenge became even more extraordinary. It was tough getting through the medical, but I had the support of my doctor. Though my epilepsy has been well controlled with medication for many years, the worry never fully disappears — for me, and especially for my loved ones.

From the very first week of the four-week training program, I realized how important it would be to stay organized with my medication. I needed a system to ensure I took it regularly, no matter the conditions at sea. Fortunately, the watch schedule aboard the yacht worked out perfectly: crew changes happened at 07:00 and 19:00 each day, giving me a structured 12-hour cycle — even more consistent than my routine at home.

In late July 2024, the race came to an end. After nearly a year at sea, it was time to go home. We held a welcome-home party in Yorkshire, where many of the crew from my boat, Dare to Lead, gathered — trying to hold onto the camaraderie and delay the inevitable return to “normal life.” But once the crowd had left, I faced a new challenge: re-adjustment.

I had retired just before setting off on the race, and after only two days back at home, a realization hit me hard: I had no purpose.

For as long as I could remember, I had always had something to focus on — something to work toward. After my epilepsy diagnosis, my first purpose was simply to live a “normal” life. Then it was about building a career, getting married, raising a family, starting a business, and taking on personal challenges.

But now… what next?

Maybe it’s something about going through adversity, or reaching the end of a huge personal challenge, but I discovered something vital: I need a goal. A big one. I need momentum.

So, I redirected my energy. I completed my Day Skipper, Yachtmaster, and VHF qualifications — all by the end of the year.

One of the goals is to get my own boat and sail around the world again — this time in the opposite direction. But I also want to do it in a way that honors my family, spacing the journey over several years, and making it financially sustainable.

I’ll be skippering my first trip in Croatia this June, and in July, I’ll take part in the Fastnet Race with the Dare to Lead crew. Right now, life feels aligned — I have plans, direction, and meaning.

Looking ahead, I want to work with young people facing health challenges — including epilepsy — and help them see what’s possible. Because life is meant to be lived, regardless of your circumstances.

My motto has always been simple, but powerful:

“It’s not what you can’t do — it’s what you can do.”

Sean McPartland

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Life with epilepsy often brings limitations. Sean’s story reminds us that while our journeys may be different, they can still be meaningful, adventurous, and full of possibility.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own journey. What new step can you take — big or small — toward living fully with epilepsy? Share your story, try something new, or simply remind yourself of what you can do. Your journey matters.

Phil Haydon, Ph.D.