Adventurer James Ketchell set for third global circumnavigation

Adventurer James Ketchell embarks on third global circumnavigation © Sarah Huxley

British adventurer James Ketchell is preparing to embark on his third circumnavigation of the world, having already cycled around the world in 2013 and flown a small aircraft around the world in 2019. The British adventurer will now sail solo around the world in his Class 40 yacht named "Mindset".

Ketchell will embark on his 30,000 nautical mile journey from Gosport, UK, on September 22nd (weather permitting) aiming to complete the voyage in approximately nine months. During the sail, his main mission is to take young people on a virtual journey around the world, inspiring them to try new things, believe in themselves and develop the right mindset. Ketchell is using Starlink Internet on the boat and will be streaming live videos to classrooms around the world, making content available to schools via worksheets on his website as well as delivering talks in local schools in the ports he is visiting.

The voyage is split into legs, stopping in Lanzarote, Cape Town, Melbourne, Punta Del Este in Uruguay, Antigua and New York, before arriving back into Gosport, UK.

During his expedition, Ketchell will also be deploying an Argo float for, The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) after his port of call in South Africa as part of his role as an NOC ambassador. The team of Argo floats deployed will provide data to help us understand the status of the ocean environment and its resources today, and for years to come. Ketchell's Challenge is also raising funds for two charities: Baton of Hope (suicide awareness and prevention) and Kindled Spirit (supporting victims of human trafficking)

James Ketchell's achievements extend beyond his global circumnavigations. He has scaled Mount Everest, rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean, skied across Greenland, and most recently cycled across America raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

His unwavering spirit and determination, especially in the face of adversity following a serious motorcycle accident in 2008, have made him an inspiration to many and a proud ambassador for the Scouts.

"While I'm looking forward to the challenge of undertaking my third circumnavigation," Ketchell said, "I know that this will be a significant physical and mental challenge as there are many things that are out of my control. It is also very technical, as I will need to be able to diagnose and fix problems on the boat as needed. Having struggled with low self-confidence and lack of ambition as a young person, I am extremely excited to share this journey with young people and in particular give children some inspiration for what they can achieve in life if they challenge themselves.

"I am extremely grateful to all my partners that have supported me over so many years and continue to do so for this challenge."

The challenge is generously sponsored by principal partners Barratt Developments and Rentokil Initial.

How to track James's progress:

jamesketchell.net

How to donate:

jamesketchell.net/charity-links