Charity seeks wounded veterans for new sailing adventure
Turn to Starboard has launched a campaign to find a team of wounded veterans for a 2,000-mile sailing expedition from Land’s End to John O’ Groats – and back.
The Cornish charity is offering the chance for 50 ex-service personnel who have been wounded or injured to join the challenge for a one-way voyage in either direction.
The Long Way Up campaign will see a fleet of five yachts set sail from Land’s End on September 7, 2021. Crew members will spend around three weeks at sea navigating the west coast of mainland Britain while learning to sail under expert tuition from professional instructors.
Turn to Starboard CEO and founder, Shaun Pascoe, says: “The aim of this exciting challenge is for wounded veterans to experience the therapeutic effects of sailing and the sea, meet people facing similar challenges as their own and gain valuable new skills.
“Crew members can choose to either set sail from Land’s End or John O’Groats on a 1,000 nautical-mile trip and enjoy stunning views along Britain’s wild coastline.”
“Each participant will get the chance to develop their sailing ability and skippering skills, learn about navigation, meteorology, safety and signals,” continues Pascoe. “There’s no doubt each person will return as a competent sailor and have the option to continue their training with the charity and put themselves forward for an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore assessment.
“All places are provided free of charge and include three meals a day plus the loan of waterproof kit and safety lifejacket. No previous sailing experience is required as all participants will receive expert tuition from professional instructors.”
Launched in 2012, the Falmouth-based charity has provided more than 3,000 sailing opportunities to injured veterans and their families. The focus is on resettlement and reintegration, along with an opportunity to gain professional sailing qualifications to start new careers in the marine industry.
Hi I’m yachtmaster power and sail, have worked closely with EAST a blind sailing charity , and occasionally with veterans, I would like to prefer my service, should you require a professional skipper, bless you all
Mark askew
This is why we closed down Toe in the Water. Although our delivery was as an active part of their rehabilitation the requirement to provide sailing is becoming less and less as we move away from active deployments. Veterans can be provided sailing in many of the other avenues available. It’s a shame as what Turn 2 Stbd provide is amazing.
I wish you luck in finding the veterans you require to make the trip work. It looks like an epic opportunity!
I’m ex Military, I’ve suffered from Mental Health injuries. I would love to take part in this opportunity.
My key worker at Active Plus told me about this venture being ex Royal Navy, I am not physically wounded but do have PTSD depression stress and anxiety and feel this would benefit me with my love of the sea. I may be too old at 63 but certainly don’t act my age lol. So would be chuffed if I was to be considered.
I LIVE IN FALMOUTH , DRINK TOOO MUCH, . I have sever chronic PTSD , ANXIETY, AND TIC .Got busted in XMG ,ect ect . I was diagnosed at COMBAT STRESS , WALTER BUSITIL , . I also got it in THE RED AND GREEN life machine . . Went on GALAHAD on fire to try to RAZ kit. . Not a WAR STORY
1 legged vet, 63 years young and reasonably fit, virtually no sailing experience, would need to get the time off work (though shouldn’t be a problem), but very interested in learning more if this opportunity is still open?
Cheers,
Mike