A team of military veterans have passed the halfway mark in a gruelling 2,000-mile sailing expedition around Britain…
Three crews set sail from Falmouth on June 1 on board the ‘Spirit of Falmouth’ and two support yachts on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge. The eight-week voyage aims to help participants gain new skills while raising awareness of the challenges some veterans face after leaving the military.
They reached the halfway mark near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis today, with around 1,000 miles to go before reaching the finish line.
The ‘Spirit of Falmouth’ suffered from gearbox problems soon after leaving Falmouth and again near the Isle of Wight. A replacement was sent from Norway and fitted by the crew to allow them to carry on.
Former RAF squadron leader and skipper Shaun Pascoe said: ““The aim of the Round Britain Challenge is to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills. 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.
“The crew has shown incredible resilience throughout the journey so far, overcoming challenges along the way, which is what this trip is all about.”
A team of 38 veterans – many with little or no sailing experience – are taking part in the International Paints sponsored expedition. Fourteen veterans are taking part in the complete voyage with the rest completing shorter sections of the route, along with beneficiaries of The Prince’s Trust and a documentary film crew.
Turn to Starboard has helped hundreds of military personnel suffering with physical injuries or mental trauma by providing sailing courses and family sailing trips in a supportive environment.
All three vessels will stop at ports including Whitehaven, Liverpool and the Isles of Scilly before arriving at Falmouth Harbour on August 1.
The charity is inviting the public to help them raise £20,000 towards supporting injured veterans by buying a mile of the expedition for £10 atwww.turntostarboard.co.uk/round-britain-challenge-2016