SAN DIEGO - You could say that Ardell Lien has lots of heart - literally.

The 71-year-old sailor, who received a heart and kidney transplant in 2003, proved that during an often grueling, but ultimately inspiring solo sailing excursion around the world in his 27-foot sloop.

He ended the 17-month trip Oct. 20 in Shelter Island, greeted by dozens of well-wishers and media crews.

"It was difficult at times, even though I did my best to prepare, but it was never what I'd call life-threatening," Lien said at his home in Caledonia, Minn. a few days after completing the journey. "It (circumnavigating) was always something I wanted to do sometime in my life. It just came later than I anticipated."

In doing so, Lien became the first heart and kidney transplant patient to successfully sail around the world. In all, he and his boat, Catalyst, covered 31,000 nautical miles and made stops in 19 ports of call. He departed San Diego May 5, 2005.

Lien embarked on the trip to increase public awareness about organ donation. He received his transplanted organs from a 22-year-old male at the famed Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minn., not far from his home in Caledonia.

"I feel great, better than I have for 20 years," he said. "For years before that, I was very limited in what I was able to do. It used to take me an hour to get dressed."

Lien had suffered from congestive heart failure for many years before being placed on life support in late 2002. Three months later, he received the transplanted organs.

"The trip was a success because it helped get the word out that, should tragedy strike, many of us should consider being organ donors," he said. "I always say it's a medical shortage that can be solved without spending a lot of money. All we need are more (people) willing to donate their organs."

Lien kept a periodic e-mail journal of the voyage that he sent to "a couple thousand" friends, family members and supporters.

One highlight of his adventure was the opportunity to meet nine heart transplant patients at the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The late Dr. Barnard performed the world's first heart transplant in 1967.

His primary cardiologist, Dr. Brooks Edwards, the medical director of transplantation at the Mayo Clinic, was among those who greeted Lien upon his arrival in San Diego. He lauded Lien's achievement.

"He's an amazing, motivated, altruistic man," Edwards said. "He sent a message of hope and inspiration that you don't have to be limited by age or infirmity. It's a message that needs to be told over and over again."

Asked what future adventures he has in mind, Lien didn't rule out another voyage.

"Oh, I think I'll pick something less challenging," he said. "A powerboat down the Mississippi, maybe. But long-distance sailing is certainly out of the question."