What began as a dream has become a breathtaking reality for five men from London who are currently voyaging by sea to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj 2025.
With no previous sailing experience, the group embarked on their 7,400 km journey from the English Channel on April 1, steering through European and North African waters toward the Red Sea.
The crew—Abdul Wahid (38), Tauseef Ahmed, Jody McIntyre, Dobbir Uddin, and Taher Akhtar, aged between 27 and 47—have turned their unique expedition into both a spiritual mission and a charitable cause.
Over the past 55 days, they’ve shared stories of storms, dolphins, faith, and perseverance—all while raising over £200,000 to support orphaned children in countries including Palestine, Lebanon, Pakistan, Uganda, and among Syrian refugees.
Their sailing vessel, a 1978 Westerly 33 Ketch, has carried them through a rich tapestry of landscapes: from the English Channel to Marseille, the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, through the Suez Canal, and into the Red Sea—each leg of the trip marked by moments of awe and trial.
Speaking from Ismailia, Egypt, Wahid described the journey as “a revival of the old Hajj spirit,” blending Islamic devotion with Britain’s maritime legacy. “It’s about showing the beauty of Hajj in its raw form,” he said. “Walking, riding, or sailing—this is how our ancestors reached Makkah.”
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing. In France, the group faced a 24 km canal blockage that forced them to lift the entire boat onto a truck. Another day, they awoke to find their vessel leaking and slowly sinking—yet through every setback, they pressed on.
“We started this without ever having sailed before,” Wahid admitted. “We trained for six months, even lived at sea for a week to learn. Alhamdulillah, we made it this far—and we’re almost there.”
Beyond the technical challenges, it’s the emotional and spiritual moments that have left the deepest marks. From watching dolphins dance in the surf to performing prayers under open skies, the journey has strengthened their faith and sense of purpose.
With support from the Red Sea Authority, BWA Yachting Club KSA, and JYC facilities, the group is now preparing for the final leg to Jeddah. They expect to reach the Kingdom later this week—just in time for the Hajj season, expected to begin around June 4.
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