Atlantic crossing in a 'dinghy with a lid'

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Two crewmates will use a tiny upcycled 50-year-old 'dinghy with a lid', a Leisure 17 sailboat, to cross the Atlantic Ocean 'the wrong way' alone and unassisted in aid of four charities.

The skipper, John-Kenneth 'JK' Habbershaw, is a health-retired Emergency Service volunteer. He started the project to assist and focus on his recovery from PTSD while also using the opportunity to spread help and hope to others. He needed to get up off his living room couch, and so, the 'Sofa To Sailboat' name was born.

Joining him is First Mate Farris Collins, a former Team GB powerlifter and four-time Commonwealth gold medal champion. He joined the crew in 2023 and is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit; however, this challenge is an entirely new one for him, as he has never sailed before. Forget about "Couch to 5K"; his journey really is from Sofa To Sailboat!

Sofa To Sailboat has teamed up with leading maritime manufacturers to combine new technologies to ensure the crossing is safe while using only renewable energy: wind for the sails and solar power for a rechargeable electric outboard motor.

Our journey has begun. Join Us.

FUNDRAISING TARGET £100,000!

Total raised in aid of charities (including Gift Aid) so far

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ABOUT

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MEET THE CREW

John-Kenneth D Habbershaw Jnr

Skipper (Chief of Shouting)
41
Marine Surveyor & Marine Electrician
10+ years of sailing experience
Works with teams and solo ocean rowers who combined have set numerous new world records.
Health retired 'Blue Light' Emergency Service Volunteer

Farris Collins

First Mate (Chief of Ballast)
26
Former Team GB Powerlifting Commonwealth Gold medal and World Bronze medal winner.
Never sailed before
He also draws on his experience on various fundraising expeditions, including climbing Kilimanjaro and Mt Toubkal, and completing a half marathon.