On Saturday 5th August, a team of 17 veterans will commence the epic Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge 2017. The eight-week journey, which covers a vast 2,000 miles, is all-hands-on-deck, with each crew member living, working and sleeping every moment on the 92-foot tall vessel, Spirit of Falmouth, donated to the charity by The Prince’s Trust.
The marathon journey will set sail from Falmouth Harbour in Cornwall and, in a clockwise direction, travel around the British Isles stopping at ports such as Liverpool, Tobermory, Isle of Skye, Newcastle and Ipswich. The breath-taking views should provide momentary relief to this gruelling, yet incredibly rewarding, expedition.
All 17 veterans on board have been affected in some way by their military service; from physical injuries to psychological traumas. With little or no sailing experience, they will learn to work together as a team whilst gaining new skills to help start a new career.
Supported by The Endeavour Fund, the voyage is organised by Turn to Starboard, a charity based in Falmouth that helps veterans suffering with physical injuries or mental trauma by providing sailing courses and family sailing trips in a supportive environment. This year, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has given a substantial grant of £45k to this honourable charity who, in-line with our own values, give these veterans a “hand-up, not a hand-out.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “For the last three years we have awarded a grant to Turn to Starboard for the incredible work they do with military personnel. The Round Britain Challenge is a great way for the veterans to come together to complete an almighty journey. Good luck!”