First-ever solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the UK & Ireland by a wheelchair user
Project FEAR, an extraordinary solo sailing voyage by Jazz Turner, has concluded successfully: she became the first disabled person – and specifically the first wheelchair user – to sail non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland. Departing from Brighton on 2 June, Jazz completed the challenging 2,070-mile circumnavigation in 28 days, returning to Brighton Marina on 30 June 2025.
About the Voyage
Boat & Route: Jazz sailed her 1975 Albin Vega, named FEAR (Face Everything And Rise), through the English Channel, Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and around Shetland.
Challenges at Sea: She endured seasickness, extreme weather, and physical exhaustion, including a grounding off Folkestone on 29 June. She successfully refloated FEAR unaided at high tide and continued her mission.
Health & Adaptations: Living with terminal Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—including seizures, fainting, and severe joint pain—Jazz overcame serious health obstacles and adapted her boat with wind generators, satellite nav, solar panels, and tailored sail systems.
Achievements & Advocacy
Record & Recognition: Confirmed by Practical Boat Owner and Sailing Today, Jazz is the first disabled sailor to complete this solo, unassisted voyage.
Fundraising Success: Initially aiming for £30,000, her fundraiser for Newhaven & Seaford Sailability surged past £50,000—over 45,000 raised by the trip’s end—to support adaptive sailing initiatives.
Sailing Career: A decorated GBR para sailor and mechanical engineer, Jazz is a World Championship medallist (silver 2023, bronze 2024 in RS Venture Connect) and won the 2024 Swiss Cup.
The Role of Allen
Jazz credits Allen for providing cutting-edge genoa and mainsheet sheeting systems, as well as expert configuration advice vital for managing sails single-handedly during her demanding 2,070-mile journey.
Genoa Car: A9119-LONG – Size 19 Long Cheek Block Car.
Mainsheet Car: A9119-2 – Size 19 Cheek Block Car.
Track: A9019 – Size 19.
Mainsheet End Stops: A9219 – End Stop With Becket.
Genoa End Stops: A9219-1 – End Stop With Block and Becket.
Mainsheet Traveller Lead Blocks: A20401C – 40mm Dynamic Cheek Block.
Mainsheet Traveller Cam Cleat: A..76-496 – Medium Cam Cleat With Pro-Lead.
A Mission Beyond Sailing
Jazz’s purpose transcended the voyage itself:
Create Opportunities – Showing that disability is not a limit, she encourages more “yes’s” in life through Project FEAR.
Raise Awareness – Elevating visibility for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and advocating for adaptive sailing.
Break Boundaries – Proving that with determination and support, extraordinary achievements are attainable—even with terminal illness.
She describes the journey:
“If this is the last thing I ever do, it will be enough… because I’ve done it on my terms.”
To Learn More or Support:
Project FEAR tracking & updates: projectfear.uk
Donate to Newhaven & Seaford Sailability: https://www.gofundme.com/f/project-fear
Follow on social: Instagram @jazturnersailing
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