Jazz Turner wins Yachtsman of the Year 2026

Jazz Turner completed a 2,070-mile solo, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland in 28 days aboard her Albin Vega 27, Fear, arriving into Brighton Marina to a large welcoming crowd—an operation that required careful route planning, weather routing, provisioning and port coordination to manage safety, berthing and media access.

Voyage logistics and the boat

The circumnavigation demanded precise logistics: fuel and food provisioning for 28 days, contingency plans for medical evacuation, and coordination with coastal authorities for safe passage around headlands and through busy shipping lanes. Turner’s choice of the Albin Vega 27 meant limited storage and a small footprint in marinas, which influenced stopover options and berthing fees.

For charter operators and boat rental services, the mission underlines how vessel size and configuration directly affect voyage scope and support needs—smaller yachts need more frequent access to marinas, spares and crew rotation points than larger cruisers.

Key technical and operational details

• Vessel: Albin Vega 27, Fear
• Distance: 2,070 miles
• Duration: 28 days
• Type: Solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation
• Finish: Brighton Marina, reception by supporters

Recognition and award outcomes

The Yachting Journalists' Association named Jazz Turner Yachtsman of the Year 2025. The trophy now bears another name that speaks to resilience and inclusivity in sailing. Other winners announced at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show included jointly awarded Young Sailor of the Year duos and a high-performance team award.

Support network and sponsors

Turner’s voyage attracted support from previous Yachtsman of the Year winners such as Pip Hare and Sir Ben Ainslie, and commercial backing from Henri-Lloyd. Such partnerships are critical: sponsors often provide kit, safety clothing and promotional channels that reduce operational friction and help with media logistics during port calls.

Chris Hammond, CEO at Henri-Lloyd, expressed strong approval of the recognition and noted the practical value of hands-on support during ambitious small-boat projects.

Inspiration, inclusion and practical takeaways for charters

Turner’s story is not just a headline; it is a case study for how the leisure yachting sector, including charters and marinas, can improve accessibility. Simple modifications to rental fleets—handholds, adaptable controls, clear emergency plans, and trained captains—open up opportunities for disabled sailors. For operators, that’s both a moral and market-positive move: inclusive offerings can broaden customer pools and position a marina or charter company as forward-thinking.

Making history in an Albin Vega 27 – Jazz Turner’s story

The narrative of being given limited time to live, choosing to “get out into the English Channel and turn right,” and then completing a demanding coastal circuit resonates with sailors and shore crews alike. It shows how determination plus practical planning—routeing, provisioning, and contingency—combine to overcome odds. As the saying goes, sometimes you’ve got to "turn right and go"—and then figure out the rest as you sail.

What this means for GetBoat.com readers

• Owners and charter companies should review accessibility options and safety kits for small-boat charters.
• Marinas can benefit from promoting inclusive berthing facilities and partner services for adaptive sailing.
• Prospective crew and captains should prioritize route planning and contingency logistics for longer or solo passages.

In short, Jazz Turner’s achievement combines operational smarts with sheer grit: a 2,070-mile voyage on an Albin Vega 27, backed by a community and sponsors, culminating in the Yachtsman of the Year 2025 title. For yacht owners, charter operators and marina managers, the lessons are tangible—plan logistics, equip boats appropriately, and make accessibility part of your offering. Whether you’re after a family charter, a superyacht vacation or a small boat rental to explore a nearby lake or gulf, this story nudges the industry toward more inclusive sailing and smarter boating. It’s a neat reminder that the sea rewards careful prep and bold hearts: yacht, captain, marina, rental and sale markets all stand to gain from the momentum Jazz has created in yachting, activities and adaptive access to the water.