Up for the Challenge

photos courtesy of Curt Morlock

Longtime elevator man Curt Morlock grew up near the water in south Florida. At a young age, his father taught him to surf, fish, scuba dive and sail. Sailing was the most appealing to him, and he has fond memories of adventures at the helm with his friends. Opportunities to sail grew less frequent over time, and Morlock entered the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 71, headquartered in Miami, Florida, in 2002. Through the years, he worked for nearly all the major vertical-transportation (VT) OEMs, with career highlights including new construction projects at the Las Vegas Strip’s CityCenter (now Aria Campus) development, a complete VT modernization at the Las Vegas Airport and a repair position at the Denver International Airport. 

In February, Morlock retired from TK Elevator in Eagle, Colorado, and began to focus again on sailing. He shared his dream — to sail solo around the world — with his friends and family. With their support, he began to formulate a plan. While searching for a boat, Morlock learned of the Global Solo Challenge, a single-handed sailing event with a staggered departure format, and entered. Facing a recent diagnosis of leukemia, he says it is now or never. “This race is everything to me. I sold my house, cashed in my retirement and bought an Open 60,” Morlock said. “To consider such a challenge, many precautions are necessary to compete and do so safely.” 

Currently, Morlock is preparing to represent the U.S. in the non-stop race around the world, which will begin for him in December. He’s hoping to gain a title sponsor or group of sponsors to help with essential upgrades to the “6 Lazy K,” his 60 ft long x 17 ft wide racing sailboat. Morlock has been in touch with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and feels the televised race is an opportunity to fundraise for the organization on a grand scale. For the latest on his journey to the starting line, visit Global Solo Challenge 84.