Adventurer sets sail on solo round-the-world trip

James Ketchell is sat on his yacht, looking away from the camera. In the distance behind him, is the ocean and Spinnaker Tower, as well as other high rise buildings. Mr Ketchell has a pair of Oakley sunglasses on top of his head and he has light brown hair. He is holding onto a bit of the rig with red rope and wears an Apple watch on his wrist. He has a cobalt blue waterproof jacket on.Premier Marinas

This will be the third time James Ketchell circumnavigates the globe

Emily Ford
BBC News, South of England

An adventurer is preparing to set sail on a solo trip around the world.

James Ketchell, from Basingstoke in Hampshire, will be setting off on his third circumnavigation challenge aboard his class 40 yacht named Mindset.

Mr Ketchell has spent the past five years preparing for the adventure and is hoping to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe by air, land and sea.

It will take around nine months to travel 30,000 miles (48, 280km), with stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Town, Melbourne, Uruguay, Antigua and New York before returning to port in Gosport.

Mr Ketchell is sailing aboard Mindset. He is wearing the same outfit, a blue waterproof long sleeved jacket with a black buoyant vest on. He is in the middle of the ocean and his yacht is while with various business sponsor logos on the exterior.Premier Marinas

Mr Ketchell will spend about nine months on the trip

The expedition is Mr Ketchell's second sailing attempt after he was forced to abandon his first try in 2024 due to a gearbox failure.

In a statement ahead of his planned departure from Premier's Gosport Marina at 14:00 BST, Mr Ketchell said: "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 [it is] one I have been prepared for thanks to my team and the support I've received."

Mr Ketchell is sat on the decking of a marina next to his yacht. He is smiling looking towards the camera and slightly squinting as the sun is on his face. His sunglasses are on top of his head, he is wearing a blue sailing jacket and grey and black cargo trousers. His yacht is white and covered in business sponshorship logos.Premier Marinas

Mr Ketchell will be livestreaming to classrooms on his travels to encourage young people to go on their own adventures

In 2013, he circumnavigated the globe on a bicycle and again in 2019 in a gyrocopter.

This time, Mr Ketchell is hoping to take young people on a virtual journey with him around the world, with plans to livestream videos to classrooms throughout.

Marina manager Jonathan Walcroft said: "We are incredibly proud to have supported James on his inspiring journey around the world.

"Our team has worked closely with James to ensure he has everything he needs for a safe and successful circumnavigation.

"James' journey is a testament to the spirit of adventure that defines our marina."

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