Introducing Jazz Turner's Project FEAR
by Jazz Turner 25 Mar 18:00 GMT
Jazz Turner will launch Project FEAR in 2025 © Project Fear
Brighton para-athlete to attempt record-breaking sailing journey
A Brighton resident and former GBR Para sailor has set a goal to become the first female disabled person to complete a solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the British Isles in a sailing boat.
26-year old Jazz Turner suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a debilitative genetic condition that means she is a full-time wheelchair user. What's more, the illness has led to further physical complications that sadly means doctors say the condition is terminal.
Rather than allow this condition to take away her strength and spirit, sailing enthusiast Jazz is fighting back with determination to not let this illness get in the way of her love of the open waters. Jazz has set herself a lofty sailing goal, and named the endeavour Project Fear, in order to confront her inhibitions and show that anything is possible, with enough determination.
Jazz is seeking to raise £30,000 for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, an organisation that enables other people with disabilities to get sailing, by breaking all records as the first disabled person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around England, Scotland and Ireland.
"The world spends an increasing amount of time telling us what we can't do; whether that be because we have a disability, or are female, or come from a difficult background," said Jazz Turner. "Project Fear is about showing that anything is possible. With a bit of imagination and a lot of hard work, there is no limit to what we are capable of."
The launch event is at 5pm on 11 April 2025 at Brighton Marina Yacht Club, where all are welcome. The sailing project sets off this summer, with a departure date from Brighton Marina on 2 June 2025. We'd also love to invite you to come down to see the boat set off on that day.
Find out more, or make a donation which goes to Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, at projectfear.uk
Jazz's mission
1. Create Opportunities
Jazz believes in a world where there are more "yes"s than "no"s. Jazz has chosen to give her record-breaking sailing attempt the name Project Fear. As an acronym, Jazz says that while F.E.A.R. could mean 'Forget Everything and Run', she wants to show the world that when faced with difficult challenges, it is better to 'Face Everything and Rise'.
2. Raise Awareness
Jazz wants to educate people about the reality of living with a life-limiting disability, and raise awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
3. Break Boundaries
Jazz wants to prove that it's possible to accomplish anything, even when competing against able-bodied individuals while having a severe disability, competing as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, or being able to compete without the high level of funding other sailors enjoy.
Jazz wants to show everyone that these limitations can not just be overcome, but can be the driving force for success.
Her personal story
Jazz discovered sailing by accident, and fell in love with it immediately. But Jazz is not a typical sailor. Sailing is a sport that usually has a very high entry cost, with a boat, tools and training all carrying a very high fee. So when she began, the first challenge she faced was raising the funds to get started. Coming from a family background without traditional income sources made it tricky to pay for the equipment she required.
Nevertheless, over time, Jazz managed to overcome this tough, initial challenge of the sport, buoyed on by her love of the outdoors, water sports and sailing. Jazz has found that sailing has given her friends, community and a reason to keep fighting her condition.
Today, sailing to her is freedom. When she is on the water she is the same as everyone else; you cannot tell she has a disability or that she's a girl. Leaving her wheelchair behind, she gets to be seen and treated equally.
The record attempt
Jazz will set sail from Brighton, UK, heading west around the coast of the British Isles. This journey is approx 2070 miles long and will take anywhere between 4-8 weeks depending on weather conditions, sailing around Ireland, Scotland, then the east of England before sailing back around the south coast and returning to Brighton.
To prepare for the challenge, Jazz is taking part in several offshore trips, and is hoping to complete a minimum of 500 miles sailed offshore before she leaves. She will be living on board during the whole trip and describes night sailing as one of her favourite parts. She said, "Although at times I will get lonely, I am never really alone, having Fear by my side, the sea below and the stars above, I am always connected no matter how far from shore."
Project Fear will be conducted in an Albin Vega sailing boat. This is a Swedish-designed sailboat that is a 27-foot offshore racer/cruiser. Named 'Fear', after the project, the boat was built in 1975 and has required significant upgrades and adaptations to make her ready to take on this challenge.
Find out more, or make a donation which goes to Newhaven and Seaford Sailability, at projectfear.uk