We're still collecting donations
On the 28th November 2023 we'd raised £5 with 1 supporters in 42 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
SofaToSailboat - Put Your Name On Poppet!
by SofaToSailboat in Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
Total raised £5
raised so far1
supportersSofaToSailboat will cross the Atlantic in a tiny upcycled 'dinghy with a lid' in aid of four charities and sustainable oceans!
by SofaToSailboat in Colchester, Essex, United Kingdom
ABOUT
Forget 'Couch to 5K'! Our two crew mates are moving from the 'Sofa to Sailboat'.
During the winter of 2024/25, John-Kenneth D Habbershaw, a health-retired emergency volunteer, and Farris Collins, a first-time sailor and former Team GB Powerlifter, will undertake an independent and unassisted 3000-mile voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in a tiny upcycled 17 ft' dinghy with a lid'. They hope to raise £100,000 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Mind, MS-UK and St Helena Hospice.
The brave crew are using the opportunity to promote sustainable use of our oceans and waterways. The boat uses only wind and solar power, and the project has made The Green Blue pledge to 'leave no trace' and utilise ecologically friendly sailing methods.
This page has been set up expressly to assist with raising funds for the essential safety equipment, training, and logistics costs. The changing political climate has given some unexpected extra costs and unexpected price rises.
All excess donations past our £25,000 fundraising goal here will be split evenly between our favourite charities named above).
THE ADVENTURE
> The 3000-mile crossing will be east to west from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
> The trip across the Atlantic will take about five to six weeks.
THE BOAT
> 'Poppet' is an early MK1 'Leisure 17' made from fibreglass.
> The boat is 52 years old and measures just 17ft (5.2m) long – that's smaller than a Ford Transit van.
> The boat, fully provisioned, will weigh about 850kg, about half the weight of a large family-sized car!
THE CREW
JK Habbershaw (Skipper) is a marine surveyor who works with Ocean Rowers. He is recovering from PTSD and is using the project to help focus his mental health recovery.
Farris Collins (First Mate and Chief Ballast) has no sailing experience, but he's no stranger to hard work and adventures. A former Team GB Powerlifter, he also draws on his experience and endurance of climbing Kilimanjaro and Mt Toubkal.
HOW ELSE CAN I HELP?
> Donate directly to the charities (with gift aid) at www.collectionpot.com/pot/sofatosailboat/
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS/BRAND
Your business/brand can be promoted on the boat, on the SofaToSailboat website and on our social media during the fit-out, training/practice, during and after the voyage.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.sofatosailboat.co.uk
Rewards
This project offered rewards
£5 or more
Put Your Name On Poppet
Join the crew on the crossing and show your support by having a name featured on the boat! This is for one person's name. Why not buy one for each family member as a gift or memorial? Gift certificate option, too.
£25 or more
Money For Old Rope
Sofa To Sailboat will send you a piece of old rope... yes, really. The original running rigging from Poppet has been washed and chopped into bits. The skipper will upcycle and tie it in a knot for you and pop it in the post with a nice numbered thank you card. Sofa To Sailboat will also include your name OR family name on the boat hull.
£50 or more
Money For More Old Rope
Like our £25.00 reward... but better. A more complicated knot using longer or two bits of upcycled rope from Poppet's original running rigging. Tied for you with love and popped a nice individually numbered thank you card. Sofa To Sailboat will also include your name or family name on the boat hull.
£100 or more
The 100 Club
Join the Limited Edition 100 Club. As a supporter, you'll get the following: 1 x SILVER A6 Vinyl Name and Message sticker on the boat hull, 1 x T-Shirt, 1 x Tied knot, Supporter Sticker, Pen, Keyring, Magnet or Bottle Opener, 1 x Thank You on our Website/Blogs, 1x Your name in our documentary video credits, 1 x Personal ‘Thank You’ Letter/Postcard.
£250 or more
The 250 Club
Join the Limited 250 club, and you'll get: 1 x GOLD A6 Vinyl Name and Message sticker on the boat hull, 2 x T-Shirts, 1 x Supporter swag pack, a tied knot, a Thank You on the Website/Blogs, Your name in our documentary video credits, Personal ‘Thank You’ Letters and Postcards from our departure and arrival ports. We'll also call you from the Mid-Atlantic Ocean by Satellite Phone!
£500 or more
Welcome Aboard
The 250 Club reward... PLUS, spend a day with the skipper and Poppet! It might mean having to hold a paintbrush... but you'll get your own up-close tour of Poppet and hear about our adventure in person over lunch. Free global delivery for the gift pack, but if you want to visit us, you'll have to make your own way (and find your own dinner/accommodation). We'll help with recommendations.
£888 or more
Pieces of 8
The GOLD package! Everything you see above, exclusive GOLD name in our documentary credits, plus some other extra unique gifts and event invitations!
There is free global delivery for the gift pack, but if you want to visit us or an event, you'll have to make your own way (and find your own dinner/accommodation). We'll help with recommendations.
£2,500 or more
The Full Doubloons
Avast Ye! Poppet will come to meet you anywhere in the mainland UK. The full 888 reward package and some extra swag! Plus you'll get to spend a day with the skipper and boat. You will get your own up-close tour of Poppet and hear about the adventure in person, take lots of photographs, and ask questions like 'Where will you anchor at night?'