Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge for veterans final countdown

The official countdown has begun for the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge with just under six weeks to go

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On Wednesday 1 June, a team of 38 veterans will challenge their minds and bodies by sailing 2,000 miles around the British Isles with the charity Turn to Starboard.

The voyage, which is being sponsored by International Paint and supported by The Endeavour Fund, will begin in Falmouth. The journey expected to last eight weeks, stopping at ports including Ipswich, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Glasgow and Liverpool. The team – many with little or no sailing experience – will circumnavigate Britain anti-clockwise on board a 92-foot replica tall ship to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills to help start new careers across the world. Some of the 38 veterans will sail the complete expedition whilst others will join for shorter sections of the voyage. They will be joined by two additional yachts also crewed by ex-serviceman and women to meet the unexpectedly high number of applicants.

Turn to Starboard was set up three years ago by former RAF leader and CEO, Shaun Pascoe. The charity has helped hundreds of military personnel suffering with physical injuries or mental trauma by providing RYA courses and family sailing trips in a unique and supportive environment. Shaun, who will also be taking part in the challenge, was the leader of a helicopter medical emergency response team. After finding it difficult to adjust to normal life outside of the forces, he embarked on a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster course, and within two weeks of sailing he felt in a better place. He now invests his time in helping others to feel the same.

Shaun commented:

‘For most of our participants leaving the military, particularly on medical discharge, sees them facing significant challenges, with some losing the true comradeship and sense of purpose that is so important in a military setting. The Round Britain adventure aims to help them readjust by providing the same level of challenge in the company of those who have experienced the same testing conditions. The crew are expected to experience physical exertion and sleep deprivation while overcoming the psychological challenges of living and working in a turbulent natural environment. We are looking forward to the challenge and helping those taking part to regain the sense of value and the belonging they were once so proud of.’

The lead sponsor of the initiative is AkzoNobel’s International coatings brand which is supporting the project and providing essential products from their range of leading yacht coatings, to help prepare the boats for the challenge, and ensure the crew enjoy optimum performance.

Stuart Melville, Global Marketing Specialist at AkzoNobel, commented:

‘This is a fantastic challenge for such a worthy charity and we are delighted to be supporting the team as they fulfil the two month journey. Our team will be offering advice and support to ensure the boat is in top condition and the team are ready to conquer the challenge. We are looking forward to giving them a big welcome at a number of the stops along their journey.’

Turn to Starboard is run by a group of ex-service, serving and civilian staff and volunteers who believe that sailing has a therapeutic and calming effect on participants. They help veterans gain internationally recognised sailing qualifications to help start new careers. The organisation also offers sailing trips to Service families who have been affected by operations to spend time together on a skippered yacht. For further information visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk