Premier’s Gosport Marina, renowned for its rich maritime heritage and home of the Clipper Round the World Race fleet, served as the starting point for adventurer James Ketchell’s epic solo circumnavigation of the globe. 

On 22 September, James embarked on his remarkable 30,000nm journey aboard his Class 40 yacht, ‘Mindset’ , of which Premier Marinas are sponsoring. James’ journey will take him around the world in approximately nine months with stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Town, Melbourne, Punta Del Este in Uruguay, Antigua and New York, before arriving back into Premier’s Gosport Marina next summer. 

During the sail, James’ main mission is to take young people on a virtual journey around the world, inspiring them to try new things, believe in themselves and develop the right mindset. He will be using Starlink Internet on the boat and will be streaming live videos to classrooms around the world.

The marina has played a significant role in James’s preparation, providing berthing, technical, engineering, and chandlery support to ensure ‘Mindset’ was ready for the challenging voyage ahead. The marina’s comprehensive services and prime location at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour offers immediate access to the Solent, making its waters ideal for preparing for such an ambitious journey. 

In addition to being a vital support base for James’ voyage, Premier’s Gosport Marina is a celebrated boating hub with a rich history in yacht racing. The marina has earned the prestigious Five Gold Anchors Award and proudly houses the fleet for the Clipper Round the World Race. Gosport also boasts a storied heritage, having been the home of the ‘Endeavour’, a J-class yacht built for the 1934 America’s Cup at the historic Endeavour Quay boatyard.

James, who prepared for the voyage for five years, expressed his gratitude towards Premier’s Gosport Marina for their ongoing support: “I am extremely grateful to Premier Marinas for their help. My yacht, “Mindset”, called Gosport its home for over a year, and I am privileged to have prepared for my trip in the hub of yacht racing and all the supporting services and facilities that have been offered to me during that time. Embarking on my third circumnavigation of the world, this time upon a yacht that I love, will be a significant challenge for me both physically and mentally, but one I have been prepared for thanks to my team and the support I’ve received.”

With over 60 people in attendance to see James off, he set sail from outside the Boat House Restaurant at Gosport Marina in near-perfect conditions. 

Jonathan Walcroft, Marina Manager at Gosport Marina, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported James on his inspiring journey around the world. Premier’s Gosport Marina has long been a destination for adventurers and sailing enthusiasts, and it was a privilege to play a key role in preparing ‘Mindset’ for this remarkable challenge. Our team has worked closely with James to ensure that he has everything he needs for a safe and successful circumnavigation. As a leading sailing hub on the south coast, we continue to honour our legacy while supporting modern adventurers like James. We are committed to exploration and excellence in the yacht racing community, and James’ journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure that defines our marina.”

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