A Northumberland sailor has sailed 21,000 of the 28,000 nautical miles needed to complete his attempt to sail solo around the world in a boat he built by hand.

Adam Waugh, who lives near Morpeth, is undertaking the voyage in support of the Ella Dawson Foundation – a UK charity that provides mental and physical health and wellbeing support to young adults with and beyond cancer, as well as their families and carers – with more than £50,000 raised so far.

The 61-year-old is currently competing in the inaugural Mini Globe Race, a 14-month, 28,000-nautical-mile solo circumnavigation in a 19-foot Class Globe 5.80 yacht named Little Wren, which he constructed entirely by hand at home despite having no prior boatbuilding experience.

The journey has taken him first across the Atlantic, his first ever ocean crossing, then the vast Pacific Ocean and he has now completed crossing most of the Indian Ocean.

Adam Waugh at sea on board his self-built yacht Little Wren.

placeholder image — Adam Waugh at sea on board his self-built yacht Little Wren.

The final part to complete once he reaches the end destination for the current leg (Cape Town, South Africa) is heading back up the Atlantic to the start of the race, Antigua, in two more legs.

He has been to many stunning locations, but has had to deal with navigating treacherous conditions and suffering some injuries.

Adam issued an update during a recent stop in Durban, South Africa, and this included marking a partnership Huddersfield-based precision engineering company Accu – which supplied every nut, bolt and screw holding Little Wren together.

He said: “There have been huge highs and lows, storms, injuries and many sleepless nights navigating treacherous seas, but knowing I am raising money to support young people through and beyond cancer keeps me going when it gets tough.

“It took me two years to build Little Wren and I’m very proud that she was built with the help of Accu’s precision engineering components.

After 11 months at sea, I’m thrilled with how Little Wren has stood up to so many challenges we’ve faced to date.

“I’m delighted to have partnered with Accu and grateful for their support of a fellow Huddersfield-based organisation, my chosen charity the Ella Dawson Foundation.”

Supporters can track Little Wren’s journey, follow Adam’s updates and donate to his £100,000 fundraising goal for the Ella Dawson Foundation at https://onemanoneboatonemission.com