NORTH SAILS POWERS JAZZ TURNER’S ROUND BRITAIN RECORD ATTEMPT

On June 2nd, 26-year-old Jazz Turner set off to become the first disabled sailor to complete a solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of Britain.  

A remarkable feat for any sailor—but for Jazz, who lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it will require extraordinary resilience, determination, and ingenuity. 

Jazz’s condition leaves her unable to bear weight on her legs. Her joints are prone to dislocation, and she lives with the constant risk of fainting, seizures, and allergic reactions. She relies on a wheelchair for mobility and navigates each day with both courage and determination. Yet, with her 27-foot Albin Vega keelboat and an unwavering dream, Jazz is preparing to take on over 2,000 miles around the rugged British coastline – solo, nonstop and unassisted. 

A CHANCE CONNECTION SPARKS A CRUCIAL PARTNERSHIP 

Jazz first connected with North Sails during a Brighton Marina Yacht Club tour of the North Sails loft in Fareham. After the tour, she reached out to UK General Manager Ian Walker—whom she had previously crossed paths with while racing against Ian’s daughter in the 420 class. 

Jazz recognized that her sails were not up to the challenge ahead. She needed more durable sails than what she had and required more upwind performance for the adventure she had planned. Reaching out to Ian turned into more than a request for gear—it became a shared commitment of support to something bigger. 

Ian saw this as an opportunity to support an extraordinary sailor—and a chance to put North Sails’ recently launched RENEW sustainable sailcloth to the test. Ian and sail designer Joel McDonald worked closely with Jazz to develop a custom sail package tailored to both her boat and her physicality. 

“NORTH SAILS MADE IT REAL” 

“When I first started this journey, I wasn’t sure if I was capable,” says Jazz. “I kept asking myself—do I have enough experience? Have I sailed enough miles? Am I enough? 

Having North Sails come on board was a massive confidence boost. It was the validation I needed. They helped turn what felt like a crazy dream into a tangible, achievable reality.” 

Jazz describes her experience working with Ian and Joel as transformative—not just from a technical perspective, but personally. 

“Ian’s experience offshore is invaluable. He’s helped me think through the small but critical things, like rope chafe and system redundancies. That kind of insight only comes from someone who’s lived it.” 

“Joel has been incredible. He not only designed sails that significantly improved my upwind performance (I now point about 10 degrees higher upwind) but also made sail handling easier for me. He even suggested painting the head of the mainsail orange! Every detail matters, and Joel took them all seriously.” 

“Both of them have gone above and beyond, from answering all my stupid little questions to always answering my messages about sail trim and....well, everything else really.” 

SAILING WITH NPL RENEW 

Jazz’s North inventory includes a genoa made from RENEW, North Sails’ latest innovation in sustainable sailmaking. Developed from bio-based and recycled source raw materials, RENEW reflects Jazz’s commitment to minimizing her environmental impact wherever possible. 

“Because of my medical devices, I have to rely on single-use items in daily life,” Jazz explains. “So I do everything I can to reduce my footprint in other ways. My energy on this trip comes from solar and wind, and using sails made with recycled materials fits perfectly with that mindset.” 

A JOURNEY WITH PURPOSE 

Jazz’s round-Britain challenge is not just a personal milestone. She’s aiming to raise £30,000 for Sailability at Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club, helping others experience the joy and freedom of sailing, regardless of physical ability. 

“Spending time with Jazz is incredibly humbling,” says Ian Walker. “The fact that she’s taking on such a monumental challenge to help others, all while managing her own immense obstacles, speaks volumes about her character. All of us at North Sails UK are behind her 100% and will be cheering her on this amazing adventure.” 

FOLLOW JAZZ’S JOURNEY 

You can track Jazz’s progress and support her fundraising efforts at www.projectfear.uk. 

North Sails is proud to support sailors who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Jazz Turner is one of those sailors—and we’re honored to be part of her story.