CA honours Jazz Turner with The Duchess of Kent Trophy

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.

Trophy Presentation

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.

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."

Follow Jazz Turner
www.projectfear.uk
www.facebook.com/jazturnersailing
www.instagram.com/jazturnersailing
www.linkedin.com/in/jazz-turner-disabled-sailor
www.youtube.com/@jazturnersailing

About The Duchess of Kent Trophy

The Duchess of Kent Trophy was bequeathed to the Cruising Association by B.H. LePine Williams. Originally awarded to Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay for his pivotal role in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, the trophy continues to celebrate extraordinary achievements in or around small boats.

First awarded by the CA in 2012, notable recipients include:

• Kirsten Neuschäfer (2025): Awarded for her historic victory in the 2022 Golden Globe Race and courageous rescue of fellow competitor Tapio Lehtinen, exemplifying exceptional seamanship, courage and skill. Kirsten is the first woman and first South African to win a solo round-the-world race.
• Jimmy Cornell (2023): Honoured for his unparalleled contributions to the cruising community, including three circumnavigations, the founding of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), and authorship of the best-selling World Cruising Routes.
• Pip Hare (2021): Recognised for completing the Vendée Globe race aboard her 21-year-old IMOCA Medallia, becoming the first British skipper to finish the 2020-21 race and one of only eight women to ever complete the event.
• Jeanne Socrates (2012 & 2019): In 2012 the trophy was awarded following her successful single-handed circumnavigation of the world at the third attempt. It was awarded to Jeanne again in 2019 for being the oldest person to sail non-stop, solo and unassisted around the world.

Members can login into their account to find out more about The Duchess of Kent Trophy.

Image top right: Jazz Turner ©Henri-Lloyd