"Experience the Liberation of the Open Seas through Sailing"
In a remarkable feat of determination and resilience, Jazz Turner, a 26-year-old resident of Seaford in East Sussex, has successfully completed a 2,070-mile solo circumnavigation around the UK and Ireland. This historic journey, named Project Fear, marks Jazz as the first known disabled person to complete the journey unaided.
Born with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects connective tissue, Jazz has faced significant mobility challenges since 2019, requiring her to use wheelchairs full-time. However, this has not deterred her from breaking down barriers and inspiring others.
Sailing has been a significant part of Jazz's life, providing her with a family, a lifeline, a career, and a means to meet her foster parents. It has also given her a sense of identity, as on the water, she is seen as just a sailor, not a young woman in a wheelchair needing help from others.
Jazz's message is clear: sailing and adventure are for everyone, regardless of background or disability. She has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity in the world of yachting, challenging fear and a culture of "No" that she believes needs to be addressed.
In her quest to make sailing more accessible, Jazz founded Newhaven & Seaford Sailability, an initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for people with complex conditions. The community, whom she affectionately refers to as her "chosen family," has grown from humble beginnings with two second-hand boats and a hoist funded by an RYA grant. Today, it supports around 100 participants a year.
The funds raised by Jazz during her solo circumnavigation, surpassing her initial goal of £30,000 with over £50,000, were used to save two vital boats for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability. This funding will undoubtedly help the community continue to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy the freedom and joy of being on the water.
Sailability, a key program under the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK, plays a crucial role in making boating accessible across the country. Through a network of clubs and organizations, it offers tailored sailing sessions, adaptive equipment, and specialist support to enable access to boating activities for disabled individuals.
The impact of Sailability is substantial. Venues like the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy offer purpose-built, accessible facilities, ensuring safe and easy access to the water for people with disabilities. Clubs like Cowes Sailability provide regular weekly sailing sessions supported by safety boats designed to ensure participants' safety and independence while on the water.
The RYA Sailability has also collaborated with organizations such as the Blind Sailing Association to enhance access specifically for blind and visually impaired people. Fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns, such as those led by Jazz Turner, have raised significant funds to further support and break down barriers for disabled sailors.
In summary, Sailability plays a crucial role in making boating accessible across the UK, fostering participation for people with disabilities through adapted facilities, specialized programs, and strong community support. Jazz Turner's story emphasizes the importance of creativity, determination, and the right support in achieving one's goals, and she continues to inspire others to challenge barriers and embrace the freedom of sailing.
[1] Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy: https://www.wpnsa.org.uk/ [2] Blind Sailing Association: https://www.blindsailing.org.uk/ [3] Cowes Sailability Club: https://www.cowessailability.org.uk/ [4] RYA Sailability: https://www.rya.org.uk/go/sailability [5] Cowes Sailability 2023 report: https://www.cowessailability.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cowes-Sailability-Club-Annual-Report-2023.pdf
- Despite her love for sailing, Jazz Turner also shares a passion for various sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, and American football, frequently attending games in the NBA, premier league, Laliga, Serie-A, and NFL.
- Meanwhile, in the world of NBA basketball, the WNBA is making strides towards greater inclusivity and gender equality, attracting growing interest and support, a trend that parallels Jazz's own advocacy efforts.
- Hoping to leverage her platform, Jazz has expressed interest in sports betting, seeing it as a potential opportunity for income and further advocacy, especially in the European leagues like the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, or the English Premier League.
- In addition to traditional sports, Jazz follows racing events like the grand prix and horse racing, even considering horse ownership for therapeutic benefits.
- Outside the competitive realm, Jazz enjoys watching mixed martial arts events, highlighting the sheer grit and determination displayed by the athletes, qualities she resonates with in her own life.
- Amidst these diverse sporting pursuits, Jazz also appreciates the analytical side of sports, keeping up with sports analysis and statistics, drawing parallels between the strategies employed on the field and those needed to overcome personal challenges.
- In the realm of baseball, popular leagues such as the MLB have shown a commitment to accessibility, incorporating equipment like sound systems and runners to assist visually impaired spectators and players.
- Grasping the significance of her accomplishments in sailing, Jazz appreciates the common thread running through her favorite sports: resilience, perseverance, and the breaking down of barriers - principles that are not exclusive to the world of sailing but are shared among all sports enthusiasts and athletes.
