Sailing a Topper Across the English Channel for Cancer Research UK
by Hayley Turner & Port of Dover 28 Oct 04:20 PDT
21 August 2026
15 year old Faith Turner sail across the English Channel in aid of Cancer Research UK © Mark Turner
15 year old Faith Turner has sailed her Topper from Dover to Cap Gris Nez, in a record time, fund raising for Cancer Research UK.
The crossing time of 2 hours and 56 minutes is faster than the previous record set for a solo dinghy, in an International Moth!
It was an idea that Faith had one cold winter night during a sailing training weekend last December tucked up in the family motorhome. To see that turn into a reality and the lengths her support crew worked towards it in order to make it happen has been incredible; it was months and months in the planning. Her parents are forever grateful for a moment in time that will live with Faith and everyone forever.
More importantly her challenge and experience contributes a significant donation to help beat cancer and save lives. The donation link will remain live until Channel 4 have aired their documentary about the crossing.
You can donate at fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/faith-sails-to-france-in-a-topper and see how the total is creeping upwards; currently the £6000+ will become £8000 when Gift Aid is added.
Thank you to the Port of Dover for amazing support in helping make it happen.
When asked how the day went, Faith had this to say: "I faced many challenges along the way such as having to avoid ferries, warships and cargo ships which was difficult in the giant waves. I have never sailed with such big waves and once I got the hang of surfing them, they were no longer as big and scary and more fun as I was going average 8-9 knots.
"In order to get the world record, I had to get out of my boat and touch the French land which was very difficult because the waves were crashing onto me and rocks were either side of me so it was extremely difficult to get back in the boat and get sailing again but I managed to do that without drifting onto the rocks.
"I would like to thank all my sponsors; XB44, Saxon Air, Rooster Sailing, Performance Sailcraft Europe, GP Watercraft.
"The Port of Dover were super lovely and made everything happen on the day, even when it looked like we couldn't launch the safety boats they managed to arrange to lift them in with their huge boat cranes! I would also like to thank everyone who donated money towards this and to thank my coach, Tim Hulse for supporting me on the water and believing in me."
Faith is a Year 11 Student at Smithdon High School, Hunstanton. She is a member of Snettisham Beach Sailing Club however mostly trains at Draycote Academy which has been her winter/spring training club for over four years under GBR Coach Steve Irish.