ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—One Maryland man is making the journey of a lifetime, sailing 25,000 miles around the Americas by himself.

Andrea Fujii explains it’s all for a good cause.

Matt Rutherford set sail in June from Annapolis.  His goal was to raise enough money to help sailors with disabilities fulfill their dreams.

A 27-foot sailboat has been 30-year-old Matt Rutherford’s home for the past nine months.

He’s sailed from the Chesapeake around icebergs near Canada and called WJZ off the coast of Brazil on his way back to Annapolis.

He’s sailed into some dangerous situations– all in order to raise money for one organization: C.R.A.B, the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating.

“When you combine ice with fog and you add a lot of wind to it it’s like a witches brew,” he said.

C.R.A.B. is  an organization that allows Lance Hinrichs to sail even after a spinal cord injury.

“Once I got hurt I thought that opportunity was all gone, but through organizations like C.R.A.B. I’ve been able to get back into it,” Hinrichs said.

C.R.A.B. has helped hundreds of physically challenged people hit the water and Rutherford’s desire to share the sport is what motivates this journey.

For the 268 days he’s been at sea he hasn’t docked once. Instead speed boats have thrown him supplies.

His trip is expected to break a world record, but making sailing accessible to everyone is his main goal.

“Some of these kids are stuck in institutions, these rehab centers where they live there and for them to be able to go out and day sail makes a world of difference,” said Rutherford.

Rutherford is expected to return to Annapolis in mid-April where there will be a big welcome home party.

So far he has raised $60,000.

If you would like to help out, click here.