Zena Birch, a wedding celebrant from Plymouth, Devon, is currently four months into an extraordinary 15-month voyage around the world aboard a 52-foot sailing yacht named Pure Joy!. With no prior nautical experience, she accepted a once-in-a-lifetime invitation from a couple she married a decade ago, to join them on their sailing expedition as part of the World ARC rally.

Since setting sail in January 2025, Zena has journeyed through the Caribbean, Colombia, the Panama Canal, Galapagos Islands, and into French Polynesia, covering more than 6,000 miles of open ocean. Along the way, she has faced lightning storms, rough seas, and long nights under the stars, gaining firsthand experience in marine navigation, teamwork, and resilience.

Despite starting from scratch, Zena now feels 'pretty au fait' with the sailing lifestyle. She has learned about wind angles, sail mechanics, engine checks, and navigation. 'I am even given solo night shifts now,' she shared, emphasizing how much she has grown since setting sail.

Her most unforgettable moments include swimming with ancient giant sea turtles, crossing the Equator with traditional Neptune rituals, and sailing beneath a massive rainbow in French Polynesia. She also speaks fondly of the camaraderie among fellow sailors: 'In a divided world, it’s heartwarming to witness such kindness.'

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Boats in the rally have been struck by lightning, and some lost power completely. Zena has had to adjust to the lack of personal space and independence. 'Living in close quarters is tough for someone used to solitude,' she admits, but praises her crew for making the transition easier.

Zena spent 18 months preparing for the voyage by taking courses in radar, VHF radio, and sea survival. Her father was a captain in the Merchant Navy, yet she had never set sail before. 'This is more than an adventure—it’s an endurance test, mentally and physically,' she said.

The Pure Joy! will continue on to Bora Bora, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia before crossing the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, and eventually around the Cape of Good Hope to reach Namibia, St Helena, Brazil, and finally return to St Lucia in April 2026.

Reflecting on the voyage so far, Zena says, 'Every single one of us will have changed profoundly by the time we return. Saying yes to this opportunity was the best decision of my life.'