Sailor's Insight: Back in the Boat by Jazz Turner

After spending weeks at sea completing the record-breaking Round Britain Island challenge, I couldn’t wait to get back into an RS Venture Connect. 

The RS Games in Travemünde gave me that opportunity, sailing alongside Justen Bersin from Grenada. It was a very different challenge to racing offshore, but just as rewarding to be back on the racecourse and surrounded by the Para Inclusive Sailing community. 

If I’m honest, it wasn’t an easy event. 

The conditions tested everyone, communication was challenging at times, and there were moments when patience and flexibility were needed from sailors, officials and organisers alike. Like many championships, things didn’t always go exactly to plan. 

But that’s not what I’ll remember most. 

What I’ll remember is the people. 

I’ll remember sailors helping each other ashore, volunteers going the extra mile to solve problems, race officials adapting to the conditions, and organisers who genuinely wanted to listen and improve. There was a real sense that everyone was pulling in the same direction, and that made a huge difference. 

One of the things I love most about Para Inclusive sailing is that every event teaches us something. We don’t just race; we learn. Whether it’s improving accessibility, refining communication or making life a little easier for the next sailor who arrives at the venue, every championship helps move the sport forward. 

Travemünde certainly wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t need to be. What mattered was the willingness to keep improving. I left feeling that everyone involved wanted the next event to be even better, and that’s exactly the culture our sport needs. 

It was also fantastic to see the RS Venture Connect fleet continuing to grow. More nations are joining the class, new sailors are stepping onto the international stage and the standard of racing continues to rise. Looking around the boat park, it really felt like our community is building something special. 

Personally, it reminded me why I love sailing. 

After spending so long offshore, often with nothing but the sea for company, being back among friends, sharing stories after racing and enjoying the unique atmosphere that exists within our community was something I’d really missed. 

Now, with the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portugal just around the corner, there’s a real sense of excitement building. 

If the RS Games showed us anything, it’s that our sport isn’t standing still. Every event, every sailor and every lesson learned is helping shape the future of Para Inclusive sailing. 

And I can’t wait to be back on the water again.