The Spirit of Falmouth sailing into Albert Docks in Liverpool as part of the Round Britain Challenge.
A Cornish sailing charity is launching a recruitment drive with a difference – to find a military veteran to join them on a section of a challenge to sail around the British Isles.
A crew of seventeen injured veterans – many with little or no sailing experience – set sail on a tall ship from Falmouth in Cornwall on August 5 on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge. So far the team has battled huge waves and clocked up more than 400 miles sailing up clockwise up the West coast.
Now the charity is calling out for a crew member also affected by military operations to join them on the epic journey, whether for a shorter section or the rest of the route.
Turn to Starboard founder Shaun Pascoe said: “The aim of the Round Britain Challenge is to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills while raising awareness of the challenges Service personnel can face when leaving the military.
Some of our crew will be gaining valuable sailing miles as part of their training for Yachtmaster qualifications, whereas others have set themselves a personal challenge as they battle with their own issues after Service life.
“We are looking for a veteran affected by military operations to join us for a section or the rest of the journey. The trip is free and sailing experience is not required as guidance will be given by our highly skilled crew.”
The team are living, sleeping and working on board the gaff-rigged schooner donated to the charity by The Prince’s Trust. At 92 feet, and weighing in at 88 tonnes, the vessel is as long as seven cars and weighs the equivalent of 13 killer whales. The largest sail, which the crew has to manually hoist, is as big as one-and-a-half squash courts.
The lead supporter of the initiative is The Endeavour Fund, which offers funding for sporting and adventure challenges. The organisation plays an important role in ensuring that more servicemen and women have the opportunity to rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges.
Stuart Croxford, Programme Manager at The Endeavour Fund commented: “I’m thrilled that we’re able to once again support this incredible challenge. Turn to Starboard does a fantastic job in supporting wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women on their journey to recovery and helping them rediscover their fighting spirit. This Round Britain Challenge will not only be a once-in-a-lifetime experience but it will give all participants the chance to gain new skills and qualifications which will help them long after they return.”
More details about the vacancy is available by contacting ellen@turntostarboard.co.uk. For more information about the charity visit turntostarboard.co.uk
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- Turn to Starboard Office: 01326 314262
- Email us at: info@turntostarboard.co.uk
- Website: turntostarboard.co.uk.
- Follow Turn to Starboard on Twitter.com/turntostarboard
- Find Turn to Starboard on Facebook.com/turntostarboard
- Or write to us at: Turn to Starboard, Falmouth Marina, North Parade, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2TD
Notes to Editors
- Turn to Starboard is a Cobseo registered charity using RYA sailing courses to support Armed Forces personnel who have been affected by military operations. We support those who are Serving or Retired and their families.
- We help those retired from the forces and those still serving to get perspective on past events and focus on a successful future.
- Beneficiaries gain tangible experiences, expert training and career-building opportunities including the chance to gain internationally recognised marine qualifications.
- Registered Charity number 1148549
For further media information, please call Mark Hardaker on 01326 314262 or email mark@turntostarboard.co.uk.
