Terminally-ill woman plans solo round-the-world sailing voyage

Jazz Turner, 27, lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a debilitating genetic condition that affects connective tissue.

She wants to take part in next year’s Royal Western Yacht Club of England’s WorldStar challenge, which would make her the first female, disabled sailor to complete such a feat.

Ms Turner, from Seaford, East Sussex, was diagnosed with the illness, which causes fainting and seizures, when she was 18.

Due to complications, doctors have told her that her condition is now terminal.

“As my condition has progressed, the one thing I made sure of was that I never stopped sailing,” she said.

Next year’s challenge follows her recent circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland, known as Project Fear, but she now needs to secure the right boat and sponsorship to carry her around the globe.

“I’ve always been drawn to challenges that push me to my edge,” she said.

“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 right partnership could turn this vision into reality.

“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.”

The WorldStar 2026 leaves Plymouth in September next year and tests sailors to circle the globe without outside assistance or stops.

Adrian Gray, commodore of the Royal Western Yacht Club, said: “Jazz is the epitome of why we created this Corinthian-style race.

“This is a race for sailors, run by sailors and the only one of its style in the UK.

“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.”

Published: 06/08/2025 by Radio NewsHub