Jazz Turner Makes History in Project FEAR

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 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.

"Allen Brothers hardware and technical insight gave me the confidence and equipment I needed to helm FEAR solo," said Jazz.

Find out more about the Genoa and mainsheet projects in Jazzs blog posts in the links below.

https://www.projectfear.uk/Expedition-Log/88-/Mainsheet-Tracks

https://www.projectfear.uk/Expedition-Log/48-/NewsArticle

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

Jazzs 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 Ive 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