Why Sofa To Sailboat
About us:
Sofa To Sailboat
In December 2026, two crewmates will use 'Poppet', a tiny upcycled 54-year-old 'dinghy with a lid', a Leisure 17 sailboat, to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone and unassisted in aid of four charities; they aim to raise £100,000 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, MIND, MS-UK, and St Helena Hospice.
The skipper, John-Kenneth 'JK' Habbershaw, is a Marine Surveyor and health-retired Emergency Service volunteer. He started the project to assist and focus on his recovery from PTSD while also using the opportunity to spread help and hope to others. He needed to get up off his living room couch, and so, the 'Sofa To Sailboat' name was born.
Joining him is First Mate Farris Collins, a former Team GB powerlifter and four-time Commonwealth gold medal champion. He is no stranger to pushing himself to the limit; however, this challenge is an entirely new one for him, as he has never sailed before. Forget about "Couch to 5K"; his journey really is from Sofa To Sailboat!
Throughout the refurbishment of Poppet, the project has evolved into a community project and collaborates with local volunteers from diverse backgrounds to utilise their skills and knowledge, provide training in new skills, and offer a sympathetic ear when needed. Our 'Shore Crew' team is just as essential to the Atlantic Crossing as the boat.
Sofa To Sailboat has partnered with leading maritime manufacturers to integrate new technologies, ensuring a safe crossing while utilising only renewable energy: wind for the sails and solar power for a rechargeable electric outboard motor.
As part of making the project more environmentally sustainable, Sofa To Sailboat will follow The Green Blue's best-practice guidance, a joint environmental awareness programme created by the Royal Yachting Association in 2005 at the Southampton Boat Show.
Our journey has begun. Join Us.
Why is sponsorship important?
Sofa To Sailboat aims to fund the voyage through sponsorship and equipment donations, separate from the charity fundraising efforts, allowing us to cover expenses and support our growth and future expeditions.
We invite companies to join us on our Atlantic Ocean adventure as we raise money for four amazing charities and promote the sustainable use of our oceans, seas, and waterways.
By sponsoring us, your business can benefit from enhanced brand recognition, enabling you to connect with our audience and promote your products, services, and experiences.
Please refer to our Sponsorship Opportunities for additional details.
What will your investment enable?
Through sponsorship, you will support the following objectives:
- Please assist us with our logistics and vessel preparation so we can dedicate more time to our ongoing fundraising efforts in support of our favourite charities.
- Continue to engage and assist our community volunteers.
- Promote green and sustainable use of our oceans and waterways.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
