James Ketchell, an adventurous Englishman, is embarking on an inspiring journey that aims to make him the first individual to circumnavigate the globe by land, air, and sea. Setting sail from a picturesque harbor in Hampshire, Ketchell is ready to embrace the thrill of a 30,000-mile voyage, which he will undertake solo over the next nine months.
The spirit of exploration runs deep in British culture, continuing to flourish well beyond the Age of Exploration. Currently, sportsman Ross Edgley is also on a remarkable quest, aiming to become the first person to swim completely around Iceland.
As Edgley heads north, Ketchell will journey south to his initial destination, the beautiful Canary Islands. He plans to take the scenic route back, "rounding the Horn" and passing the majestic Cape of Good Hope before making his way to Australia. From there, he will traverse the vast Pacific Ocean, eventually arriving in Uruguay. By late spring next year, he hopes to return to Antigua, New York, and finally, his home.
Ketchell, who previously completed his second circumnavigation in 2019 using a gyrocopter, enjoyed a remarkable six-month adventure filled with 122 flights. His journey began in 2013 when he first rode around the world on a bicycle. This new expedition marks his second attempt at circumnavigating by boat, following an earlier endeavor in 2024 that faced challenges due to a malfunction.
With ample time and space aboard his vessel, Ketchell is excited to engage with audiences around the globe through livestreamed video presentations and talks aimed at classrooms, sharing his passion for adventure and exploration.
Premier Marinas, who proudly sponsors this bold voyage alongside other partners, has expressed their admiration for Ketchell and the meticulous training he received at their Hampshire location. Jonathan Walcroft, the manager, stated, "Our team has worked closely with James to ensure he has everything he needs for a safe and successful circumnavigation."
Reflecting on the history of solo sailing, it’s worth noting that the first person to ever circumnavigate the world alone in a sailing yacht was Joshua Slocum from Nova Scotia, who set off in 1892 and returned three years later.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable British adventurer as he embarks on his third journey around the world, filled with excitement and the promise of discovery!