Hampshire man sets sail on a solo circumnavigation of the world
The journey is expected to take 9-months
Last updated 29th Jul 2025
A man from north Hampshire has set sail from Gosport Marina on a 30-thousand-mile solo circumnavigation of the world!
During his adventure, James Ketchell from Basingstoke will be streaming live videos to classrooms to encourage pupils to try new things and believe in themselves.
James’ journey will take him around 9 months with stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Town, Melbourne, Uruguay, Antigua and New York, before arriving back at Gosport Marina next summer.
He'll be using Starlink Internet on his yacht 'Mindset' to take young people on a virtual journey around the world.
This is James’ second attempt after his 2024 expedition had to be abandoned due to gearbox failure.
Gosport Marina's played a significant role in James's preparation, providing berthing, technical and engineering support to make sure "Mindset" was ready for the challenging voyage.
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.
James, who prepared for the voyage for 5 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," says James.
Jonathan Walcroft, Marina Manager at Gosport Marina, says: "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."