Charity circumnavigation progress report - Project FEAR reaches the Shetland Islands

Jazz Turner is on a circumnavigation of the British Isles raising money for Sailability © Project FEAR

Last month I didn't even know that Muckle Flugga existed, let alone where it was (it is in the Shetland Islands, the most northerly hill in Scotland). Yet today, the very name of the island brought tears of emotion to my eyes, as I heard Jazz Turner scream it out in victory, in a video she took when passing the lighthouse.

To be circumnavigating the British Isles solo non-stop at 26, is beyond what most of the able-bodied sailing fraternity ever manage. Should we even mention that her ankles can't support her, she has constant joint pain, and intestinal failure? It's impressive either way.

Sadly it hasn't all been easy going for Jazz. In addition to the many complications that come from a complex version of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, she's had autopilot issues which meant far too long hand-steering in heavy waves, and a battering by the recent heavy winds and torrential rain. Jazz has admitted, "I feel beaten and destroyed and just keep crying." Of course, she hasn't been beaten at all, but lack of sleep is enough to make anyone feel they have hit their limit. We salute Jazz for carrying on stoically.

There were windless periods too, of course, and Jazz must have felt great being able to wash her hair for the first time in 18 days! "It all went relatively smoothly except for an accidental gybe mid shampoo," she reported afterwards.

A few days ago Jazz attempted to clarify how glamorous sailing really is: "I'm covered in bruises, cuts, and sores. My skin is peeling, and my hands are swollen and covered in blisters. I haven't had a proper wash." She also added how the mental situation felt: "You never properly stop, constantly thinking about your sails, the wind, the sea state, forecasts and navigation... [and] ...being forever woken by AIS alarms means you're constantly exhausted."

Looking beyond the immediate situation, we can understand Jazz's nature too, by seeing that she undertook this voyage not for her own glory, but because she felt it so important that other people with disabilities discover the freedom and joy of sailing. Working with a Sailability charity was not enough; she wanted them to have more boats at their disposal, and get more people out on the water. Well, I reckon £35,883 will achieve amazing things, and this girl hasn't even finished the voyage yet!

Let's spread the word so that she gets the chance to present her case to more sailing friends, who might be in a position to make a donation towards Sailability. Please share this news on social media, or send this link to family and friends - gofundme.com/f/project-fear - and Jazz will be able to hit her target by the time she finishes the trip southwards from Muckle Flugga to Brighton.

Jazz Turner has reached the Shetland Islands - a circumnavigation of the British Isles raising money for Sailability - photo © Project FEAR

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GPS tracking for the yacht 'FEAR':

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