Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
by Mark Jardine 30 Jun 2025 22:39 PDT
28 June 2025
Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina.
Jazz suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which means she has to use a wheelchair much of the time and her joints dislocate. She is the first disabled sailor to complete the feat. She set off on the 2nd June and arrived on 30th June, completing the voyage in 28 days.
Jazz raised £52,103 for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability during this time!
One of the most touching moments was seeing Jazz reunited with Phoebe, her assistance dog. In typical golden retriever fashion, Phoebe was hugely excited, then sulked, turning away as if to say 'where have you been?'.
On reaching the shore Jazz said:
"None of this feels real yet. I'm just looking forward to a shower, food that doesn't come out of a packet, and apparently getting covered in dog hair again!"
Hannah Stodel, Para Sailing Manager at World Sailing, has been of huge support to Jazz during her circumnavigation, including weather routing, and was on hand to greet her on arrival.
Just 24 hours before arriving it could have all been so different as she ran aground off Folkstone Harbour, as Jazz explains in her typically honest way:
"At 4am this morning Fear and I ran aground off Folkestone Harbour. This happened because I fell asleep unintentionally and slept through the alarms while tacking inshore to make progress against the tide.
"After contacting my parents and support team, I contacted Dover Coastguard to inform them of what had happened. They sent the emergency coastguard response team, who came down and had a chat with me, and together, we assessed the situation. Collectively with the RNLI - as there was no significant hull damage - we decided I would attempt to refloat the boat at high tide independently with them standing by for assistance should it be needed.
"A bow anchor and stern anchor were laid out at low tide, and as the tide came in, I used these to pull Fear off the rocks. We are now safely anchored in the bay to do a full boat check and wait for wind before we continue on towards our finish line and Brighton Marina.
"Although this has been a stressful experience and one I never wish to repeat, unfortunately, these mistakes do happen, especially when offshore sailing. I was incredibly lucky in terms of conditions and location that allowed me to remain independent. But I can't thank enough everyone involved who helped support me with advice, as well as a massive thanks to the lifeboat and coastguard for standing by.
"As I was able to independently refloat the boat, the record still stands, and I have every intention of pushing to the finish line. I am so close now that it is within touching distance. One final push, and we will be home!"
The marine industry stepped up to help Jazz achieve her goals, with sailing legends such as Ian Walker there to congratulate her.
A huge thanks to the amazing Ingrid Abery for the superb photos of this moment in history.