Man sailing world in boat he built in garden shed

A 60-year-old man is set to sail solo around the world on a boat he built without any previous experience.

Adam Waugh, from Bolam in Northumberland, has only ever sailed in UK waters and across the Bay of Biscay in France.

"This journey will be a true test of endurance, skill, and resilience, but I couldn't be more excited," he said.

He will set off from Portugal for a 14-month trip around the globe, sailing a distance of 28,000 nautical miles.

Mr Waugh is one of 15 people worldwide taking part in the Mini Globe Race, which will see competitors sailing identical Class Globe 580 boats.

He has built his 19ft (5.8m) boat, called Little Wren, in his garden shed out of plywood, having never built one before.

"I was doing 99% of the work on my own, so it was quite gruelling at times and quite lonely," he said.

Mr Waugh has already left his Northumberland home for Portugal this week, where he is making preparations ahead of his departure for Antigua on 28 December.

"I think there is a little bit of ignorance is bliss," he said.

A sports psychologist has been supporting him alongside his physical training for the last 18 months.

Mr Waugh said there would "undoubtedly" be some "very difficult days", but knowing he would be raising money for the Ella Dawson Foundation would be a "huge incentive".

The charity, set up in memory of Newcastle University student Ella Dawson, supports young adults and their loved ones through cancer.

Miss Dawson died at the age of 24 in 2021 from an aggressive form of blood cancer and her family set up the charity the following year.

Her sister Natasha said: "She was definitely one for adventure, so she would be in massive support of such an inspiring and crazy challenge."

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