SofaToSailboat - One Tiny Boat, One Giant Ocean

John-Kenneth D Habbershaw is organizing this fundraiser.

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ABOUT

Our ambitious journey is now on the horizon. Still, we are facing unforeseen challenges that threaten to halt our fundraising expedition, which is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS-UK and St Helena Hospice. We are using this GoFundMe page to assist with our project and logistics costs.

During the early summer of 2025, two brave crewmates (JK Habbershaw and Farris Collins) will undertake an unassisted 4500-mile voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in a tiny upcycled 50-year-old sailing boat, their 'dinghy with a lid', to raise £100,000 in aid of four charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS-UK, and St Helena Hospice.

Skipper (Chief of Shouting), John-Kenneth 'JK’ D Habbershaw (41), is a health retired 'blue light' Emergency Service volunteer. He started this project to assist and focus on his recovery from PTSD whilst also using the opportunity to spread help and hope to others. And so, the ‘Sofa To Sailboat’ name was born.

First Mate (Chief of Ballast), Farris Collins (26), is a former Team GB Gold medal Commonwealth and World Bronze medal Powerlifter. Farris joined the crew in 2023 and is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit; however, this challenge is a completely new one for him, as he has never sailed before. Forget about "Couch to 5K"; his journey really is from Sofa To Sailboat!

We are working with some leading manufacturers to integrate a mixture of technologies and renewable energy sources to carry out the adventure. The boat will have the wind in its sails and a rechargeable electric motor. The project is following guidance from The Green Blue, a joint environmental awareness programme created by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine, established in 2005.

Example of our expenses:

Cooking Gas £28 Each
Paper Charts £69
Boat Shed Repair £600
Chandlery and Spares £1000
First Aid Equipment - £1100
Technical Clothing - £1200 each
Solar Charging and Batter Equipment £1600
Delivery £5500

If you donate £5 or more, your name will be included on the boat hull as part of Poppet's 'Sofa To Sailboat' logo!

This GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds specifically for use to prepare the boat, logistics, and to provide safety equipment, extra training, and provisions which are required for the crew to carry out the voyage safely.

If you prefer, you can donate directly to Sofa To Sailboat's chosen charities (with Gift Aid) via our charity fundraising page at Givewheel

THE ADVENTURE

The 4500-mile crossing will be from the Caribbean to the UK west to east.
The boat will average 3.5 knots per hour (4mph), a fast walking pace.
The trip across the Atlantic will take about 40-50 days.
The largest waves could measure up to 20ft-40ft high – that's higher than the boat mast!
At its deepest depth, the Atlantic Ocean is 5.28 miles (8.5km) deep!
There is no toilet on board – just a padded bucket!

POPPET

Poppet, a 'dinghy with a lid', is an early MK1 Leisure 17 made from fibreglass by Cobramould in Essex. The boat is around 50-years old.
Poppet measures just 17ft (5.2m) long – that's smaller than a Ford Transit van!
The boat, when fully provisioned, will weigh about 850kg; half the weight of a large family-sized car!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We want to raise as much money as possible for charity on top of the costs of preparing the boat, equipment, extra safety training, and logistics. Any extra raised above our GoFundMe target will be distributed amongst the chosen charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS-UK, St Helena Hospice.

HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?

Donate directly to my chosen charities (with Gift Aid) via our fundraising pages: Givewheel

Donate or sponsor equipment/provisions so that we can spend more time fundraising for my charities.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS / BRAND

Sofa To Sailboat is seeking corporate sponsors, especially those in the outdoor and marine sector or those with an eco-friendly or sustainable message. We can promote your business/brand on the boat, on our social media, and at planned physical appearances. Show that your brand cares about the charities, organisations, and ethos that SofaToSailboat is promoting.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk