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Record-breaking sailor completes solo global trip

Jack Hadaway-WellerYorkshire
News imageLucy Tulloch A woman standing on the deck of a small, brightly decorated sailing vessel. She is standing barefoot near the bow, with both arms raised in a celebratory gesture. She is wearing a white short‑sleeved shirt, dark shorts, and reflective sunglasses. The boat is covered in colourful graphics and sponsor logos. The hull features bold, vibrant patches of red, yellow, turquoise, and orange. Visible text includes: “NUMBATOU” on the bow. Rotary Great Britain & Ireland along the side, accompanied by the Rotary emblem. The sail has multiple stickers or patches and some printed text, though parts are crumpled or folded, making them partially unreadable. A prominent pink rudder or trim tab is visible at the stern. The boat is floating on calm, clear turquoise water. The backdrop features lush green hills with several white buildings scattered across them. To the right, a larger motor yacht is moored, adding to the coastal marina atmosphere.Lucy Tulloch
Jasmine sailed on a 19ft (5.8m) boat called Numbatou

A world record holding adventurer has added another first to her name after circumnavigating the globe in a 19ft (5.8m) plywood yacht.

Jasmine Harrison took 381 days to travel 26,000 nautical miles to and from Falmouth Harbour in Antigua.

The 26-year-old, from Thirsk, sailed across four oceans as part of the Mini Globe Race and stopped in 15 different countries, including Panama, Tahiti, South Africa and Brazil.

After completing her epic adventure - the first time a British woman has sailed solo around the world in a vessel of that size - she said: "I'm relieved to have finished, but also sad that's it's over. It's been an incredible journey."

News imageLucy Tulloch A woman son standing on a sailboat, holding a lit red flare high in one hand. The flare emits bright red light and smoke that trails upward into the sky. She is wearing a white athletic shirt covered in various sponsor logos and dark shorts and has a harness or safety belt attached around the waist. The sailboat appears to be docked or sailing in calm blue water within a marina or coastal area. In the background, there are green hills and a large, white luxury yacht anchored nearby. Several other sailboats and masts are also visible behind the main subject. A black flag with gold lettering is attached to the sailboat's rigging and flutters in the wind. The boat’s deck and sails are partially visible, showing ropes, hardware, and additional sponsor logos.Lucy Tulloch
Jasmine was just one of two women to complete the challenge

The swimming teacher, lifeguard and adventurer was one of 15 sailors competitors taking part in the world solo sailing race, with only 11 sailors completing the feat.

"I took one stage at a time, never really absorbing the totality of the journey until now. To think that I've sailed solo around the world, across four oceans is surreal" she said.

As part of the trip, Jasmine came into contact with many different marine animals including dolphins, whales and sharks.

"The wildlife has been an absolute highlight and the sunsets are always incredible," she added.

During a seven-day break in St Helena she also became the first woman to swim around the island in the South Atlantic - completing the grueling 30-mile swim in 18.5 hours.

'Changed a lot'

Jasmine said the trip was full of challenges, with every aspect a long way from "normal life".

"Just living on a boat, not having proper fresh food, not having a comfy bed, barely sleeping," she said.

"The headwinds and counter-currents made it really difficult navigating a lot of the time."

Jasmine already holds a number of records, including having been the youngest female to row solo across the Atlantic when she completed it in 2021 aged 21.

Looking back she said that feat was "so much more straightforward" than her most recent exploits.

"You just move your arms, bend your legs and you're moving the boat, whereas the sail, you've got to be a lot more skillful to get the boat to move rather than just have physical grit and determination."

In 2022, Jasmine also swam from Land's End to John o' Groats and became the first female and only third person to achieve the feat.

"It shows that if you really want to do a challenge then anything is possible, and it's only by trying that you can succeed" she said.

Now due to head back to Yorkshire, she said she was "so ready to get home".

"I don't know what life is going to be like because I've changed a lot as a person.

"I'm going to have to get a job again and resettle in, but I'm so looking forward to seeing my friends and my dogs."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

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