The Cruising Association honours Jazz Turner with The Duchess of Kent Trophy
by Cruising Association 27 Jan 18:31 UTC
17 January 2025
Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR - her solo, unassisted, circumnavigation of the British Isles & Ireland © Ingrid Abery /
www.ingridabery.com
History-making sailor Jazz Turner has been awarded the prestigious Duchess of Kent Trophy by the Cruising Association in recognition of her extraordinary record-breaking solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland.
Aged 26, Jazz set off from Brighton Marina at 1230 hours on 2 June 2025, sailing clockwise around the UK and Ireland. To prepare for her challenge, Jazz rebuilt her boat, FEAR (Face Everything And Rise) - a 1975 Albin Vega 27 - "from the ground up, total rewiring and everything else".
Jazz completed the 2,070-mile circumnavigation after 28 days and 50 minutes at sea, sealing her name in history as the first woman and first disabled person to complete the circumnavigation. Alongside the physical and mental demands of the voyage, Jazz also raised over £50,000 for charity.
Jazz lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic, progressive condition which affects connective tissue throughout the body and requires constant and careful medical management. The condition means Jazz is unable to bear weight on her legs, her joints are prone to dislocation, and she faces ongoing risks, including fainting, seizures, and allergic reactions.
Commenting on the award, Robin Baron, President of the Cruising Association, said, "Jazz's courage, skill and determination represent a landmark moment for inclusive sailing. By pushing the limits of endurance and seamanship, she has inspired sailors everywhere to challenge assumptions about what is possible on the water and what can be achieved. Jazz is a true trailblazer, and the CA is immensely proud to celebrate her extraordinary accomplishment."
The Duchess of Kent Trophy is awarded to 'any sailor, not necessarily a member, who has achieved something exceptional in or around small boats.' Jazz's achievements embody this spirit, placing her among a distinguished list of past recipients, including Kirsten Neuschäfer, Jimmy Cornell, Pip Hare and Jeanne Socrates.
As Jazz was unable to attend the presentation in person, Fiona Slay accepted The Duchess of Kent Trophy on her behalf, awarded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston at the CA's Flag Officers' Lunch on 17 January 2025 at CA House, London. The Trophy was subsequently presented to Jazz at her home.
Fiona shared a message from Jazz, saying, "I am sorry I can't be with you today, but my condition has worsened significantly since November. Completing the circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland was a massive challenge with many highs and lows, but it really made me realise that anything is possible with effort, perseverance, and support from family and the sailing community.
"We are now setting up The Jazz Turner Foundation, and all the money I raised not yet spent, will go into that charity, to help other disabled sailors.
"Thank you again for this award and your support."
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