Controlonics
Dodge Morgan | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 15, 1932 Malden, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | September 14, 2010 (aged 78) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, sailor, publisher |
| Known for | First American to complete a solo nonstop circumnavigation of the globe |
Dodge David Morgan (January 15, 1932 – September 14, 2010) was a notable American businessman, sailor, and publisher. In the early 1950s, he served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force before amassing wealth through Controlonics, a company he operated from 1971 to 1983 that produced Whistler radar detectors. Morgan earned global acclaim in 1986 as the first American to complete a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the globe, setting eleven world records including the fastest eastbound voyage at 150 days—cutting nearly half off the prior record of 292 days. Later in life, he resided on a private 30-acre island located in Maine’s Quahog Harbor.
Early years
Born in Malden, Massachusetts in 1932, Morgan lost his father, pharmacist Russell Morgan, when he was just two years old. Raised by his mother and stepfather, he described his childhood as "quite a happy life." Identifying himself as a "lousy student," Morgan concentrated on athletics and spent his teenage years working at his uncle’s boatyard on Cape Cod.
Upon reaching adulthood, Morgan enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he piloted F-86 Sabre jets. He survived a crash caused by engine failure near Presque Isle Air Force Base, escaping serious harm despite his canopy becoming stuck and requiring rescue with an ax.
Following his military tenure, Morgan obtained a journalism degree from Boston University. During this period, he married Lael Warren briefly while both were employed as reporters for the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska.
After returning to Massachusetts, Morgan established an advertising and public relations company. Using profits from this venture, he purchased a 36-foot wooden schooner named Coaster, which he sailed extensively from Maine to Alaska via routes including the Virgin Islands, Panama Canal, and Hawaii. Morgan remarked that after acquiring Coaster, "I never slept ashore for 2-1/2 years." He eventually sold the vessel in Alaska before moving back to Massachusetts.
Controlonics
In 1971, Morgan founded Controlonics Corporation based in Westford, Massachusetts, specializing in early radio frequency and radar technology products such as the popular Whistler radar detector. Starting with a modest $5,000 loan, he expanded the business from a three-person garage operation to employing around 300 individuals. Morgan placed equal importance on fostering an open company culture alongside achieving financial growth. In December 1983, he sold Controlonics to Dynatech of Burlington, Massachusetts for an estimated $32 million to $35 million.
Journey of American Promise
In the early 1960s, Morgan vowed to sail around the world. After divesting from Controlonics, he pursued this ambition aboard the 60-foot cutter American Promise, crafted by 1974 America's Cup champion designer Ted Hood. Hood prioritized safety and system redundancy over speed in its design; nonetheless, the vessel completed the voyage in record-breaking time.
Morgan engaged The New Film Company, Inc. to capture his expedition on film using six onboard cameras that recorded over nine hours of footage. This material was later edited into the 57-minute documentary 'AROUND ALONE.
He set sail from Ordnance Island, St. George's, on November 12, 1985, finishing his nonstop circumnavigation on April 11, 1986—completing it in 150 days, 1 hour, and 6 minutes. Upon arrival, Morgan emphasized that successful solo sailing demands a reliable vessel, strong determination, and favorable fortune. His journey faced formidable obstacles including a tropical storm with winds reaching 70 mph in the South Pacific.
Morgan became only the third individual worldwide—and the first American—to complete a solo nonstop global circumnavigation without any stops or external aid. His record-breaking time more than halved English sailor Chay Blyth’s previous mark of 292 days set in 1971.
He authored "The Voyage of American Promise," published by Houghton Mifflin in 1989. The documentary AROUND ALONE, chronicling his voyage, premiered on PBS's "Adventure" series in March 1987. Additionally, Morgan’s expedition has been extensively analyzed within psychological studies exploring its effects on personality development.
Publisher
In 1985, Morgan relocated to Cape Elizabeth, Maine and took ownership of the alternative weekly newspaper Maine Times. He expanded his publishing ventures by acquiring the Casco Bay Weekly based in Portland, Maine in 1990. Facing ongoing financial difficulties, Morgan reduced staff significantly in 2002 and eventually ceased publication of the Casco Bay Weekly, explaining that he wished to avoid setting a record for the greatest financial losses incurred by a small-market weekly.
Family and later years
Morgan's initial marriage ended in divorce. In 1972, he wed his second wife, Manny, with whom he had two children: Kimberly Promise and Hoyt David. Although this marriage also concluded in divorce, the family maintained close ties.
In 1998, Morgan acquired Snow Island located in Harpswell, Maine and engaged architect Winton Scott to design his residence there. The 30-acre property received commendation from the Maine chapter of the American Institute of Architects for its seamless integration with the surrounding natural environment. Morgan made Snow Island his home for more than ten years, docking six boats and adopting a reclusive lifestyle centered on intimate personal connections. During his later years, he shared the island with his fiancée, Mary Beth Teas.
Morgan passed away in September 2010 at the age of 78 due to complications following cancer surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
Selected works
- The Voyage of American Promise (Houghton Mifflin, 1989)
- Around Alone (The New Film Company, Inc., 1987)