Long before Fraser Flight became a professional mariner, his story began on a Friday night in a West Indies bar in the 1950s.

His grandfather Ian — then working in the Jamaican oil fields — met the crew of Cariad, a gaff-rigged ketch built in 1896 by Summers & Payne in Southampton. They had sailed from South Africa on a circumnavigation and invited Ian to join their global voyage. He said yes immediately, and by the following Monday was at sea.

Their journey took them through the Panama Canal, across the South Pacific, and on to Sydney, where they paused for refit and even met Queen Elizabeth II during her colonial tour, before returning to Cape Town. Ian later travelled to Rhodesia, where he built a life — and a legacy.

That legacy now lives on in Fraser.

Fraser is preparing to compete in the Global Solo Challenge 2027/28 — a 26,000-mile, non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe under sail.

No stops. No assistance. Just wind, water and determination.

The total campaign goal is £400,000 to purchase and fully equip the yacht that will be Fraser’s lifeline around the world.

To keep the campaign moving forward and reach key milestones, the current fundraising target is £100,000 by Summer 2026.

Fraser has already invested his entire life savings into launching this campaign — putting his own future on the line before asking for support.

This funding will allow Fraser to:

• Secure the boat and begin essential refit work

• Install safety, navigation, and communications systems

• Train and qualify for the race

• Build a competitive and safe campaign

Every £16 / $20 donated sponsors one mile of this 26000 mile journey around the planet.

After the race, the boat will be sold and all proceeds — along with any surplus funds — will go directly to charities supporting people and wildlife in Zimbabwe, Fraser’s home.

This is more than a race.

It’s a tribute to Zimbabwe's heritage, a test of human endurance, and a mission with real impact.

Be part of the voyage. Back the dream. Sponsor a mile.

🌍 flightaroundtheworld.co.uk