Welwyn Garden City Rotary Welcomes World Sailor Jasmine Harrison

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Inspired by World Sailor Jasmine Harrison

One Lone Member of the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City was treated to an extraordinary presentation on Monday evening when President-Elect and Club Secretary Amanda Joseph attended a speaker meeting  hosted by Brookmans Park Rotary Club.

The guest of honour was remarkable solo sailor Jasmine Harrison, who captivated the audience with the story of her solo circumnavigation of the globe in a 19-foot plywood yacht as part of the Mini Globe Race.

A Strong Turnout Across Rotary Districts

The evening demonstrated the true spirit of Rotary fellowship, drawing representatives from across District 1260 and beyond. Clubs in attendance from District 1260 included:

• Brookmans Park

• Dunstable

• Hatfield

• Hertford Shires

• Hertswood

• Hitchin Tilehouse

• Luton Someries

• Potters Bar

• St Albans Verulamium

• Welwyn Garden City

• Wendover & District

The event also welcomed Rotarians from the Rotary Club of London (District 1130) as well as the Rotary Club of Thirsk (District 1040), which is Jasmine Harrison’s home club.

An Epic Voyage of Endurance and Service

Jasmine detailed the physical and mental stamina required to complete her global voyage. She faced extreme challenges, including 70-knot headwinds off the Cape of Good Hope, rogue waves, battery failures, and navigating narrow channels in the Great Barrier Reef.

Throughout her voyage, Jasmine partnered with local Rotary clubs worldwide—including teams in Lanzarote, Panama, and Rodrigues—delivering vital educational supplies, books, and clothing to remote communities.

An Emotional Connection to Montserrat

For Amanda Joseph, the presentation contained a deeply personal and moving moment. The final leg of Jasmine’s circumnavigation concluded in Antigua, situated just ten minutes by air from the Caribbean island of Montserrat.

During the closing video footage of her journey, Jasmine directed her camera across the water towards the volcanic peaks of Montserrat. Having left Montserrat for England in 1996 and not returned since, Amanda instinctively exclaimed at the unexpected and breathtaking sight of her homeland on screen, making it a uniquely memorable moment of connection.

Amanda Joseph Takes to the Skies for Charity

Inspired by Jasmine’s spirit of adventure, Amanda is preparing for a daring challenge of her own. On Sunday 2 August 2026, Amanda will undertake a charity Wing Walk to raise funds for vital community initiatives supported by Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club.

Members of the public and fellow Rotarians are encouraged to support Amanda’s fundraising campaign. Donations can be made directly online via her JustGiving page just comment for Amanda or the name of the other 11 wing walkers you wish to support seperately: