Intrepid North Yorkshire explorer Jasmine Harrison enjoyed a new year’s swim with a difference in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Jasmine, who is being sponsored by Econ Engineering in her attempt to solo sail around the world on a 5.8m sailing boat, swam 30 miles around the remote island of St Helena in 19 hours.
Although the swimming teacher from Thirsk fell just short of completing the full distance around the island, remarkably she became the first person to have ever attempted it.
The fact the attempt was made during a planned seven day pit stop as part of Jasmine’s epic round the world challenge, which has seen her so far sail 24,000 miles via Antigua, Fiji, Mauritius and Cape Town, is even more impressive. Jasmine, who embarked on her adventure from Lagos in Portugal in December 2024, said: “I heard that the island is hosting an adventure marathon in a couple of weeks, and that they would attempt this swim for the first time.
“I thought, I’m here now so why not try it? In the end I didn’t quite close the loop on the swim but have set a precedent for others to take on this amazing challenge.”
Most swimmers train for months, or even years for lesser events whilst Jasmine had only swum a handful of times over the last 12 months.
On her return to Jamestown, Jasmine was greeted by hundreds of islanders, pipes were played and the Governor of St Helena, Nigel Phillips, presented her with medal of excellence. Many people have been inspired by the swim, with one island child, aged four, proudly stating that they are going to swim around St Helena when they grow up.
Jasmine, a two time world record holder, has now set sail from St Helena towards Recife in Brazil, continuing on her solo Mini Globe Race aboard her boat Numbatou, before continuing to the race’s finish in Antigua where she is due to arrive in March.
Keep up to date with Jasmine’s journey by following her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/jasminerharrison/