Jazz Turner announces Bold Bid for Royal Western Yacht Club's WorldStar Race
by Adrian Gray 6 Aug 19:00 BST
26 September 2026
Jazz Turner set for the WorldStar Race © Tom Pilston, The Observer
Adventurer and seasoned disabled sailor Jazz Turner has officially declared her intention to take on one of the most formidable challenges in modern ocean racing - the RWYC WorldStar. Known for its demanding solo, round-the-world course, WorldStar tests both human endurance and seamanship to the absolute limit.
Full-time wheelchair user Jazz, suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) "As my condition has progressed, the one thing I made sure of was that I never stopped sailing." Her bid for the WorldStar will make her the first female, disabled sailor to complete such a challenge.
Jazz, whose passion for extreme sailing adventures is documented through her recent Project Fear campaign, is determined to join the ranks of legendary sailors who have braved a solo circumnavigation. But her journey begins with a crucial next step - securing the right boat and sponsorship to carry her around the globe.
"I've always been drawn to challenges that push me to my edge," says Jazz. "Project Fear was born off the back of the announcement of the WorldStar 2026. I face many a 'no' in my life, I do my best to turn them into 'yes'."
The WorldStar 2026, starting from Plymouth on 26 September 2026, is rooted in the Corinthian tradition — a race created by sailors, for sailors, testing seamanship and endurance. Reviving the ethos of the legendary OSTAR, it invites competitors to circle the globe without outside assistance or stops, in one of the purest tests of human and maritime resilience.
"Jazz is the epitome of why we created this Corinthian style race. This is a race for sailor, run by sailors and the only one of its style in the UK." Said Adrian Gray, Commodore RWYC. "When we initially reached out to Jazz and she told us her 'Project Fear' campaign, a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland, was started following our announcement of the WorldStar we knew we wanted to help Jazz fulfil her life's dream!"
Not only is there the challenge of sailing non-stop, solo, around the world, Jazz needs a boat.
Due to Jazz's condition, she is seeking a yacht that will fit her specific needs. Her ideal specifications include:
- Length: 35-40 ft
- Hull: Long integral keel with keel or skeg rudder
- Rig: Ketch, cutter, or sloop
- Condition: Structurally sound with functional sea cocks, skin fittings, and windows, ready to be adapted for solo ocean racing.
Any vessel chosen will undergo modifications to support Turner's solo circumnavigation, including reinforcement for safety straps, additional handles, and specialised equipment installations.
Jazz is also seeking sponsorship opportunities - both for the vessel itself and for the extensive outfitting required for a non-stop global race. Supporters will play a direct role in enabling this groundbreaking campaign, aligning with a story of courage, grit, and adventure that resonates with sailing enthusiasts worldwide. This search for the right boat, alongside sponsorship and equipment support, is now critical to making her campaign a reality.
"The right partnership could turn this vision into reality," Jazz adds. "Whether it's a boat owner willing to lend their yacht or sponsors eager to back a remarkable human and sporting story, I'm inviting them to join me on this journey."
Pip Hare WorldStar Patron added "As Patron of the WORLDSTAR Race, I'm absolutely delighted that Jazz Turner has entered. Earlier this year, she successfully completed a solo circumnavigation of the UK, an incredible feat that demonstrated both skill and determination. I'm so pleased to see she's not stopping there, and I look forward to watching her take on this next challenge!"
Jazz's campaign is about more than personal achievement. It's about creating a legacy, challenging perceptions of disability, inspiring the next generation of sailors, and proving that no barrier is too great to overcome when courage meets opportunity.
Organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club, the WorldStar is a solo, round-the-world yacht race following the footsteps of pioneering sailors. Known for its emphasis on seamanship and minimal assistance, it remains one of the purest tests of sailing endurance in the world. The race will be starting from the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth on Saturday 26th September 2026 - rwyc.org/race/worldstar-2026