By Sashi Jaddoo
Jasmine Harrison, British adventurer, set sail on 27th December 2024 from Portugal on a solo round-the-world journey—navigating the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. After nearly 10 months at sea, she’s set to arrive in Mauritius on 17th October 2025.
At just 24, Jasmine Harrison has already rowed solo across the Atlantic, swum the entire length of the British Isles, and now, she’s closing in on her most ambitious feat yet: a solo, unsupported circumnavigation of the globe in a 5.8-metre sailboat named NUMBATOU (Nou bateau!!).
Jasmine set off from Portugal on December 27, 2024, and her route has taken her through Antigua, the Panama Canal, Fiji, Cape Town, Coco Islands, Rodrigues and today, she will arrive in Mauritius. Along the way, she’s encountered isolation, brutal weather, mechanical failures, moments of wonder, and the unshakable drive to finish what she started.
From Rowing to Global Sailing
Her inspiration for this epic sailing journey traces back to the Southampton Boat Show in 2021, shortly after she became the youngest solo female to row across the Atlantic. There, she discovered a race involving tiny ocean-going yachts, not much larger than her rowboat.
“The boats were so small—and in many ways, similar to the rowboat. I thought, what a way to see the world!” Jasmine says.
Being alone at sea, surprisingly, makes it easier to stay focused. “Keeping going every day is easy when you’re on the water,” she explains. “It’s the fastest way to get to any land. The hardest part is leaving—especially when you’ve made good friends and know the conditions will be rough.”
Sailing solo around the world isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual. There have been times when Jasmine has faced broken equipment, exhaustion, injury, and unrelenting bad weather all at once.
“It can be overwhelming,” she admits. “But I stop and figure out what’s causing it. Can I eat? Sleep? Call someone? Or sometimes I just scream at the sea.”
Giving up was never on the table
“I started this, and if I quit now, I’d be wasting everything I’ve done so far. I also owe it to my sponsors and everyone who believes in me.”
Through thousands of ocean miles, Jasmine has not only learned to sail but to read and trust the sea.
“I’ve learnt so much, and I’m still learning, even after sailing three-quarters of the way around the world.”
As for fear? “You’ve just got to deal with it,” she says. “Control what you can. Prepare for what you can’t.”
Her mental preparation focuses on simplicity and control. “Make sure the boat is solid. Rest when you can. On your own, you’re responsible for every decision, but you also get to do what works for you.”
Rotary, Service, and Purpose
A proud Rotarian, Jasmine sees her journey as more than a personal achievement. In Panama, the Rotary Club of Cristobal-Colon invited her to help deliver school supplies to a remote jungle school.
“It was shocking how little the children had. Rotary made a real difference, and I was proud to help promote that work.”
Her own Thirsk Rotary Club in the UK nominated her for Rotary Young Citizen in 2023 and has been behind her every step—helping fundraise, spread the word, and connect her to clubs around the globe.
“At each pit stop, local Rotary clubs have welcomed me and shown me their projects. It’s been incredibly uplifting.”
Breaking Barriers—and Stereotypes
As one of only two women in the Mini Globe Race, Jasmine has faced her share of scepticism, especially early on.
“There were a lot of doubters when I first started the row. I don’t think they’d have doubted a young man as much. Even now, I get a lot of advice—usually from older male sailors—but I’ve learnt to judge for myself.”
Fortunately, the Mini Globe Race community has been refreshingly supportive.
“Gender doesn’t matter to them—it’s what you do that counts.”
Jasmine hopes her story encourages others—especially young women—to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional.
“You don’t have to row an ocean or sail the world,” she says. “Maybe it’s walking alone for the first time or climbing your own mountain. Just do it.”
She never set out to be a role model, but she understands the impact her story can have.
“If someone sees what I’ve done and feels inspired to take on their own challenge, that’s worth everything.”
Her voyage is also a lesson in sustainable travel. Her yacht is powered by wind and solar, has no diesel engine, and produces minimal waste.
“All rubbish is kept on board, and I’ve even done litter picks out in the middle of the ocean.”
Sadly, she’s witnessed the darker side of ocean pollution, especially at remote islands like Cocos Keeling.
“There’s so much plastic and discarded fishing gear. The oceans are precious—we need better fishing practices and less pollution.”
What’s Next? After completing this round-the-world journey, Jasmine plans to return home for some well-earned rest—with her dogs. “No big plans yet. But I’ll probably travel again—maybe shorter trips. I can’t sit still for too long!”
A Tiny Boat, a Big Message
Jasmine’s boat, NUMBATOU, may be just 5.8 metres long, but it has carried her across the Atlantic, Pacific, and nearly all of the Indian Ocean—skippered entirely by one young woman with determination and a deep respect for the sea.
If she could bottle one message for future explorers?
“Just do it. Follow your heart.” And the quote she carries when things get hard? “Be stronger than your excuse.” It’s been with her since her first row—and it still holds true.
