Northumbrian Sailor Makes History: Adam Waugh Completes the Mini Globe Race, Solo Sail Around the World in a Self‑Built Boat - Raising £100,000 for Young Adults with Cancer
Northumberland sailor Adam Waugh has officially completed his 14‑month solo circumnavigation of the globe in a tiny wooden yacht he built entirely by hand — securing his place in sailing history and raising vital funds for the Ella Dawson Foundation.
Adam, 62, crossed the finish line of the inaugural Mini Globe Race in Antigua on 9 April, more than 28,000 nautical miles after setting off on the adventure of a lifetime in his 19‑foot Class Globe 5.80 yacht Little Wren.
With his arrival, Adam becomes the first Briton ever to complete a solo circumnavigation in a boat he built himself.
A Two‑Year Build in a Garden Shed
Adam began building Little Wren in early 2022 in his garden shed in Angerton, despite having no previous boatbuilding experience. The boat was named after a wren that nested in the shed during its construction — a small but meaningful companion throughout the build.
For two years, Adam worked long nights through cold Northumberland winters to bring Little Wren to life. After launching from Amble Marina in March 2024 and completing trials around the UK, the yacht was transported to Portugal for the start of Adam’s first offshore passage.
An Epic 14‑Month Route Across the World’s Oceans
Adam’s journey has taken him:
- From Portugal to Lanzarote and across the Atlantic Ocean to Antigua
- Through the Panama Canal
- Across the Pacific, with stops including the Marquesas Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and Fiji
- Across the Indian Ocean
- Around the southern tip of Africa
- And back across the South Atlantic via Saint Helena and Recife in Brazil
All in a yacht just 19 feet long, sailed alone.
The challenge was not without danger. During his first Atlantic crossing, rough seas caused Adam to fall and break several ribs, and he lost a vital spinnaker pole overboard. Despite the injury and equipment loss, he completed the crossing — a testament to his resilience from the very beginning of the voyage.
Raising £100,000 for Young Adults with Cancer
Throughout the challenge, Adam has been raising £100,000 for the Ella Dawson Foundation, a national charity supporting young adults aged 18–30 living with and beyond cancer, and their families and carers.
So far, supporters have donated over £60,000, with more expected as Adam’s achievement captures attention across the UK sailing community and beyond.
“The most extraordinary journey of my life”
Reflecting on his historic arrival in Antigua, Adam said:
“Completing this journey feels surreal. It has been the most extraordinary experience of my life — full of challenges, moments of doubt, and some incredible highs that I’ll never forget.
I am so proud to have sailed Little Wren around the world and even prouder to do it in support of the Ella Dawson Foundation. Knowing that the funds raised will help young adults facing cancer kept me going every single day.
This voyage proves that you are never too old to take on something big. If you put your heart into it, you really can achieve the things you once thought impossible.”
A Legacy of Courage, Craftsmanship and Compassion
Adam’s completion of the Mini Globe Race is a historic moment — one born from determination, creativity, and the unwavering support of his family, friends, and the Northumberland community.
His voyage has become more than a sailing achievement. It is a message of hope, resilience and possibility — and a powerful tribute to the young adults facing cancer who inspired his challenge.
The Ella Dawson Foundation is immensely proud of Adam and deeply grateful for the awareness, generosity and spirit he has brought to our mission.
Congratulations, Adam — and welcome home.
