Halfway round or halfway home?

Setting out to sail around the world is easier said than done. Even before you’ve considered the physical side of making six ocean crossings and tackling 40,103 nautical miles of sailing, you have to consider the mental strength it takes to pack your bags, close the door to the place you call home, and kiss your loved ones goodbye for your eleven-month adventure of a lifetime.

Armed with kit for every condition, and four weeks of intensive training under their belts, the people who choose to take on this challenge have already conquered so much just by stepping on board.

But now as the fleet closes in on the Philippines on the sixth stage of the edition, at 147°E the circumnavigators on board officially passed the halfway mark – that’s 20,051nm sailed to be precise (or 418 million toilet rolls, thanks Team London Business School for the maths!)– and for the first time since Leg 1, the teams are back in the Northern Hemisphere.

We asked our round-the-worlders to reflect on what life at sea has taught them so far and what the next six months have in store as they sail into the second half of their round the world challenge.

Jimmy Johnson, Team Warrant: "I set out to sail around the world and discovered that the greater journey was inward. What began as an adventure became a lesson in humility, endurance, and gratitude.

"The ocean strips life down to its essentials. Out here, you learn that strength isn't found in force, but in patience, awareness, and the willingness to continue when comfort disappears.

"There comes a moment when you believe you have nothing left to give. The sea teaches you that this moment is rarely the end, it is often the beginning of your truest effort.

"Reaching the halfway point is a reminder that progress is not measured only in miles sailed, but in the understanding gained along the way.

"The second half does not feel easier, but it feels clearer. What once seemed daunting now feels familiar, and the horizon no longer questions whether I can continue—it simply invites me to."

Jimmy Johnson on board his Team Warrant yacht in Airlie Beach, Australia

Andrei Balalau, Team UNICEF: “Leaving Portsmouth last August feels both like a lifetime ago and like yesterday. These past five months have taught me countless life lessons - one can’t choose the wind but can always trim the sails; no matter how bad a storm is, there is always a big, beautiful rainbow at the end of it; and calm seas never made a good sailor. I am excited to see what the next few months and big oceans bring.”

Lucas Roig, Team UNICEF: “It's very humbling, sometimes hard to picture what we've done so far unless you look at a world map, now with two great capes on our wake and many miles to look forwards two, it's sometimes daunting but exciting!”

Karin Nebel, Team UNICEF: “I’m kind of startled that it’s already halfway through. It seems like yesterday since we left Portsmouth, although five months is a long time being away from home. But I love sailing and spending time on the ocean. It’s addictive and I don’t want to stop it so soon. When you think about how fast the past five months have gone, how fast will the next half of the year be? At this very moment I just wish to continue sailing. Although the conditions are difficult at times the only thing you can do is to accept it, look ahead and make the best of the situation. You can’t change the circumstances; there is no way back and nothing lasts forever. So, live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest on any occasion.”

Karin Nebel enjoying life at sea on Leg 3

Bob Brown, who is sailing round the world to celebrate his 60^th birthday on board Team London Business School: “We are so fortunate, there’s not many people who have seen what we have seen, and what we see every day of the week. It feels special.

“I had an itch for something exciting and new and different. The whole reason for doing it was to say I was a circumnavigator. I didn’t look into what each leg was about, I just knew I wanted to do the whole thing, and every leg is just a stepping stone towards that goal. That is what this is all about.

“I’m halfway home. I haven’t seen any family since I set off last year, and in this second half I will see family. So that’s a big positive for me.

“Sailing around the world is one of those things that not many people get to do. It’s unique, but it’s also time and money restrictive, so I’m just feeling very fortunate to be in a position to do this. And nobody can take that away from me once I’m done.

“Out of 50 Race Crew on London Business School, only five of us are circumnavigating. It’s a small club, and I know we will be friends for life.”

Bob Brown with his team mate Lucy