West Palm Beach, FL - Technology entrepreneur Richard Wolpert today completed a 500 mile, eight day solo personal watercraft adventure benefiting Crohn’s disease research.  The trip began and ended in Florida, with two open ocean crossings of the often treacherous gulf stream and a stop on every major island in the Abacos, Bahamas.  The ride raised more than $35,000 to battle Crohn’s Disease.

For the ride Wolpert purchased a 2009 Yamaha FX® HO WaveRunner for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort. “The demands of this trip required a certain type of personal watercraft, one that I knew I could count on and one that would make the best use of fuel since I didn’t always know when I would have a chance to fill up,” commented Wolpert.  “I encountered problems with some of my other gear.  But the Yamaha FX HO turned out to be the one aspect that held strong throughout, and looking back, was one of the most vital choices I made during the planning process.”

Wolpert has more than 20 years experience riding personal watercraft and has successfully navigated several solo long distance rides in the past.  But this trip far surpassed all others in terms of challenging ocean conditions, unpredictability and duration.  Plus the trip was conducted entirely by Wolpert without a guide, chase boat, or riding companions.

“There were times when the waves were several feet high, limiting my speed and visibility and I was a long way from a safe stopping point,” said Wolpert.  “This trip required more endurance and perseverance than I had originally expected, but I was determined to finish what I started and knew I had to keep going.”

Wolpert, a former president of Disney® Online and an executive advisor at RealNetworks®, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at an early age. Yet he was able to overcome its many obstacles to lead a long and successful career as a senior executive at leading digital media, entertainment and venture capital firms.

“Battling Crohn’s disease has taught me a lot about facing challenges head on and emerging stronger as a result of hard work and dedication,” said Wolpert.  “It’s a disease that affects half a million people in the US, and I know there are many people out there who feel these challenges are often too hard to overcome.   I planned this trip to raise awareness of what’s possible in living with this disease, and I hope the success of my trip inspires others inflicted with the disease to become even stronger in their own lives.”

Companies that sponsored Wolpert’s trip include digital media leader RealNetworks®, the William Morris Agency®, the largest talent agency in the world, and Accel® Partners, a leading venture capital firm. All donations are being provided to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Camp Oasis®, the Pediatric IBD program at Cedars Sinai® Hospital, and the IBD Support Foundation.

Details of the trip, along with the geographical route Wolpert took, can be found at www.bahamachallenge.com.