SAILING HANNAH

This morning, I listened to Jazz Turner’s latest update from her solo challenge to sail around the UK and Ireland – and it floored me. Not because of the brutal conditions she’s facing (which are plenty), or the sheer scale of the challenge (which is huge), but because she took the time to give a personal thank you to me.

It meant the world.

I haven’t been supporting Jazz for recognition – quite the opposite, actually. I’ve been quietly helping her from behind the scenes, under the radar. Providing weather routing, watching the forecasts, checking in when needed.

Because I believe in her. I believe in what she stands for. And I believe that what she’s doing matters.

I’m proud to have been Jazz’s coach since 2022. I’ve seen her grow as a sailor and as a person – building confidence, resilience, and this unshakable determination to not just be in the sport, but to change it. It’s been a privilege to walk that journey alongside her. And yes, I do still have the video from when she took a fish square in the face while being towed in after the Worlds in Oman… but I promise to only share it if we get her to her next fundraising target! 😂

But all jokes aside, she’s not just sailing for herself – she’s sailing to raise funds for Sailability and to give more disabled athletes the opportunity to experience the water, the freedom, the growth that sailing can offer. This campaign is one I can get behind completely. It aligns with everything I’ve been working toward: making our sport more inclusive, more representative, and more open to those who’ve historically been left out.

Of course, Jazz’s journey has stirred up a lot for me too. There have been many questions lately about why my own sailing and my Vendée Globe campaign – has been paused.

And truthfully? It’s been incredibly hard.

I miss my sailing life.

I miss being out there.

I miss the version of me that had that dream.

But when the opportunity came up to work at World Sailing and fight for the return of sailing to the Paralympics, I knew I had to take it. I knew I had the skills, the voice, and the lived experience to try and make a difference. I knew I could use what I’d learned the hard way to pave a better path for others.

Still… it’s taken a toll.

I don’t know if I’ll ever return to my campaign. Right now, every ounce of energy I have is going into fighting for inclusion and for the future of our sport. And some days, I do wonder if it’s worth it – because it’s exhausting, and it often feels challenging.

But then I see people like Jazz, using their journey to uplift others. And I remember why I do this.

Please, if you can support her:
💙 https://www.projectfear.uk/Get-Involved 💙

Because every mile she sails is for the next person dreaming of a chance or an opportunity.

Every donation opens a door. And every act of belief – quiet or loud – keeps this movement alive.

Here’s to you, Jazz.

Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. And thank you for the reminder that even quiet support can make a loud impact.