Facing Everything and Rising: Jazz Turner’s Solo Mission to Redefine Possibility

This summer, British sailor Jazz Turner is setting out on one of the most ambitious solo voyages in recent memory....

Facing Everything and Rising: Jazz Turner’s Solo Mission to Redefine Possibility

Some vessels carry more than crew and sail; they carry a mission. And some sailors don't just brave the sea; they challenge the world to see possibility where others see limits.

British sailor Jazz Turner is currently on one of the most ambitious solo voyages in recent memory. Her goal: to become the first female wheelchair user to complete a solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland.

Setting sail from Brighton on 2nd June 2025 in her 27-foot yacht FEAR, Jazz is navigating not just the waters of the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and the North Sea - but a path of personal strength, innovation, and purpose. Her adapted yacht, meticulously modified to allow for full independence at sea, is the physical embodiment of her relentless determination. As at 19th June she is now off the coast of Orkney.

At Henri-Lloyd, we're proud to spotlight individuals like Jazz who embody the spirit of exploration and innovation. Just as our founder, Henri Strzelecki, challenged the conventions of sailing gear in the 1960s with radical fabric technologies, Jazz is redefining what's possible on the water today.

Project FEAR: Facing Everything and Rising

Born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a progressive and life-limiting genetic condition, Jazz became a full-time wheelchair user at 19. But she has never let that define her. A competitive para sailor and multi-medallist at the RS Venture Connect World Championships, Jazz now leads from the helm of FEAR, a boat not only adapted for accessibility, but symbolic of her unwavering resolve.

Her campaign, Project FEAR, stands for "Face Everything and Rise" - a powerful mantra for a mission that is both deeply personal and widely inspiring. With this voyage, she is not only chasing a world record, but she's also sailing to raise £50,000 for Newhaven & Seaford Sailability - an organisation committed to enabling people with disabilities to experience the freedom of sailing.

The funds will initially go toward purchasing adapted Hansa dinghies and, now she has exceeded her initial goal of £30,000, purchasing advanced adaptive technologies like sip-and-puff controls, head tilt servos, and eye-gaze navigation systems to help others with complex disabilities sail independently.

A Voyage Measured in Impact

The route Jazz has chosen is no easy course. From the fierce currents of the Irish Sea to the unpredictable winds of the North Sea, her journey will test not only the seaworthiness of her vessel but her endurance and ingenuity. Yet for Jazz, the real objective is bigger than the circumnavigation itself.

It's about creating more 'yes' moments in a world that too often says 'no' to people living with disability. It's about raising awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and sharing an unfiltered perspective on life with a terminal condition.

Why This Matters

Jazz’s story speaks to the very values Henri-Lloyd has championed for nearly 60 years: courage, innovation, and resilience. From the pioneering waterproof fabrics of the Consort Jacket to the high-performance gear used by solo circumnavigators past and present, our legacy is built on supporting those who push beyond.

In Project FEAR, we see more than a challenge - we see leadership. We see the power of purpose-driven design. We see the next generation of sailors who refuse to accept limits, whether on the water, in life, or in the way society defines possibility.

Follow Jazz Turner’s Journey

Join us in supporting Jazz as she navigates uncharted waters—literally and figuratively. Track her live progress, learn more about her mission, and discover how you can help fund life-changing adaptive sailing equipment at projectfear.uk.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates from the water.