British adventurer James Ketchell has made history by becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe by land, air and sea, while simultaneously contributing to vital ocean science projects through The International SeaKeepers Society’s DISCOVERY Programme.
Returning to Gosport, UK on 13 June 2026 aboard his sailing vessel Mindset, Ketchell completed the final stage of an extraordinary global challenge that has already seen him cycle around the world in 2013 and fly a gyrocopter around the globe in 2019.
His latest achievement involved a 30,000-nautical-mile sailing journey that began in July 2025, taking him via Lanzarote, Cape Verde, Brazil, Cape Town, Hobart and Cape Horn before arriving back home. Along the way, Ketchell combined adventure with environmental stewardship, supporting multiple scientific initiatives designed to advance understanding of the world’s oceans.
Supporting Ocean Science Through SeaKeepers
As an Ambassador for the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Ketchell used his voyage to contribute to three important marine research missions through the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Programme.
His scientific contributions included deploying an Argo float in the Indian Ocean, adding to a global network of more than 4,000 autonomous ocean-monitoring devices that collect and transmit real-time data used by researchers worldwide. He also gathered microplastic samples for a collaborative research project between NOC and The International SeaKeepers Society, helping scientists better understand marine pollution levels across the world’s oceans.
In addition, Ketchell contributed valuable bathymetric data to the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, an ambitious international initiative aiming to create the first complete map of the ocean floor.
Gill Rodrigues, Director of International Relations at SeaKeepers, praised the achievement:
“James has shown how adventure and science can sail side by side. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome him home.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond scientific research, Ketchell’s voyage was designed to inspire young people worldwide. Throughout the expedition, he delivered educational content to schools through live virtual link-ups, worksheets and classroom sessions in ports along his route.
His journey also supported fundraising efforts for Baton of Hope, which focuses on suicide awareness and prevention, and Kindled Spirit, a charity helping victims of human trafficking.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ketchell said:
“I am extremely grateful to all my partners that have supported me over so many years and continue to do so for this challenge. After rowing oceans, climbing Everest, cycling, flying and sailing around the world, I’m not sure what challenge is left on this planet.”
CharterWorld Proudly Supports SeaKeepers’ Mission
At CharterWorld, we are proud partners of The International SeaKeepers Society and strongly support its mission to advance ocean conservation, scientific research and marine education through the global yachting community.
Projects such as James Ketchell’s groundbreaking circumnavigation demonstrate the unique role that vessels and ocean travellers can play in collecting valuable scientific data while raising awareness of the challenges facing our oceans. Through programmes like SeaKeepers DISCOVERY, the yachting industry continues to make meaningful contributions to marine science and environmental stewardship.
As SeaKeepers expands its global network of vessel owners, captains and researchers, initiatives like this highlight how collaboration between adventurers, scientists and the yachting community can help drive positive change for the future of our oceans.
