Sailing solo around the world in a 19ft self built boat

Support Adam's epic journey in the Mini Globe Race with 50% of all donations going to The Ella Dawson Foundation

Ahoy!

I am Adam and I have built this boat from scratch to sail around the world in the inaugural Mini Globe Race. I have self funded the boat build but still face costs exceeding £50,000 for safety equipment, satelllite communications, food and other necessities. I am also raising money for the amazing Ella Dawson Foundation, a family run charity dedicated to supporting young adults (and their families) diagnosed with cancer. The Lycetts Group has agreed to sponsor my fund raising for the Ella Dawson Foundation and have pledged to match fund up to £5,000 of donations raised, so for every penny donated up to that amount it will be match funded by Lycetts and their parent company, the Benefact Group, with a direct payment of £5,000 to the Ella Dawson Foundation. Please help me raise as much money as possible.

The race kicks off on 23rd February 2025 and will span approximately 14 months, covering 28,000 nautical miles. The race features 18 identical Class Globe 580 boats, carefully designed to endure the harshest conditions of the world's oceans.

The Mini Globe Race is an historic event, marking the first time such small boats will attempt to race around the globe. As one of the oldest competitors I hope to be making headlines as I near the finish line. Find out more about the race here

Mini Globe Race

My journey began in a shed at my home in Northumberland, where I spent two years building my boat, "Little Wren." Named after the wren that kept me company throughout the build, Little Wren was launched in March 2024. You can follow the build process Here

My fascination with the sea and the power of the wind began five years ago when I started sailing seriously. The more I sail, the further I want to go and I cannot wait to discover some of the islands of the Pacific Ocean in particular.

As sailors, we generally avoid bad weather and big seas. During the race I will face waves I've only read about. It is undoubtedly going to be a monumental challenge, both physically and mentally.

Completing the race will be my greatest achievement yet and I hope it inspires others to push their own boundaries.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane and Kevin Dawson, parents of Ella, as I skippered the wonderful Monet, the boat taking part in The Ella Dawson Foundations annual fundraiser Sail around Britain (for more details please email Victoria from the Ella Dawson Foundation website ). Their story deeply moved me. Ella passed away in 2021 at the age of 24 from a rare form of leukaemia. This resonated with me as my mother also lost her brother, my Uncle Richard, to leukaemia when he was just seven. The Ella Dawson Foundation is a family-run charity dedicated to supporting young adults and their families diagnosed with cancer. Having helped 372 young adults with cancer and their carers/families since launching the charity in 2021, half of all funds raised will go directly to The Ella Dawson Foundation and the life-changing work they do.

Any donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated by both myself and The Ella Dawson Foundation.

Thank you for your support!

Adam Waugh

PS. This quote from one of the beneficiaries of the foundation sums up just how important their work is:

‘I just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything that you and Ella Dawson Foundation have done for me. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all of the support you have provided. It has been a breath of fresh air and I really don't think I would be the person I am today without it. I was able to process a lot of trauma I experienced through my cancer journey with the help of Nicky (clinical psychologist) and I will be forever grateful for that. Also, the regular yoga sessions with Katy have been incredible. I have learnt to love my post-cancer self and build strength. Since I have received your support, I have felt less alone in the scary cancer world and you will always hold a special place in my heart.’

50% of all donations will go to The Ella Dawson Foundation