24 June 2026
British adventurer James Ketchell has achieved a world-first, and The International SeaKeepers Society is proud to celebrate his latest milestone, becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe by land, air and sea.
After cycling the globe in 2013 and completing an airborne circuit by gyrocopter in 2019, he has now made history on the ocean, returning home to Gosport, UK on 13 June 2026 on his boat, Mindset.
James embarked on his 30,000 nautical mile journey from Gosport, UK on July 27th, 2025, travelling via Lanzarote, Cape Verde, Brazil, Cape Town, Hobart and Cape Horn. As a passionate ocean advocate and Ambassador for the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) since 2023, and through his vessel’s participation in the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Programme, Ketchell supported three ocean science missions in on his journey.
Fittingly, James’ return coincides with the conclusion of World Ocean Week (6-12 June). Every mile he sailed has not only marked progress in an extraordinary personal endeavour, but has also generated valuable scientific data, helping to advance our understanding of the ocean.
It is only through collaboration and partnerships that we can hope to understand and address the ocean and climate challenges that we all face.
Holly Evans Head of Philanthropy at NOCHe deployed an Argo float in the Indian ocean, adding to an existing network of 4,000+ robotic ocean floats worldwide that provide that collect and transmit real-time ocean data for researchers around the world.
His second mission involved collecting microplastic samples for a collaborative research project funded by Beyondly, between NOC and The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers), a global non-profit organisation that partners with private vessels for scientific research.
Finally, Ketchell contributed to the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, a flagship programme of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The initiative aims to produce the first complete map of the ocean floor by gathering bathymetric data from vessels as they travel across the globe.
James has shown how adventure and science can sail side by side. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome him home.
Gill Rodrigues Director International Relations at Seakeepers
James has used his expedition to highlight the vital role of the ocean, delivering content available to schools via worksheets and live linkups, while delivering talks in local schools in the ports he has visited.
In addition to supporting ongoing ocean research, James’s challenge is raising funds for two charities: Baton of Hope (suicide awareness and prevention) and Kindled Spirit (supporting victims of human trafficking).
His unwavering spirit and determination, especially in the face of adversity following a serious motorcycle accident in 2008, have made him an inspiration to many and a proud ambassador for the Scouts.
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.
James KetchellDuring the sail his main mission is to take young people on a virtual journey around the world, inspiring them to discover more about the ocean, try new things, believe in themselves and develop the right mindset.
James’ Round the World Challenge is generously sponsored by principal partners at Barratt Developments and Rentokil Initial.