Veteran crew arrive in Falmouth after two month, 2,000 mile epic journey around the UK coast
They’ve battled strong winds, rough seas and undertaken hours of complex repairs when their engine gave up on them. But the team of Veteran adventurers taking part in the International Paint sponsored, Turn to Starboard challenge have conquered the …
They’ve battled strong winds, rough seas and undertaken hours of complex repairs when their engine gave up on them. But the team of Veteran adventurers taking part in the International Paint sponsored, Turn to Starboard challenge have conquered the epic feat and are now celebrating after crossing the finish line of their 2,000 mile journey.
Three crews set sail from Falmouth on board the ‘Spirit of Falmouth’, a 92-foot long tall ship and two support yachts on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge on 1 June. After spending two months sailing in an anti-clockwise direction around the British Isles, the team of military veterans sailed into Falmouth in Cornwall at 12.30pm on Sunday 31 July.
The grueling expedition has been organised by Turn to Starboard founder and former RAF squadron leader, Shaun Pascoe. It aims to help participants gain new skills while raising awareness of the challenges some veterans face after leaving the military.
He said: “The aim of the Round Britain Challenge is to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills. Our incredible crew has overcome significant challenges along the route and has shown resilience in every situation. Many have gained valuable sailing miles as part of their training for Yachtmaster qualifications, whereas others set themselves a personal challenge as they battle with their own issues after Service life. We are excited to have arrived back home in Falmouth and look forward to a well-earned rest!”
A team of 38 veterans - many with little or no sailing experience – has taken part in the epic voyage. Fourteen veterans completed the whole voyage with the rest completing shorter sections of the route, along with beneficiaries of the Prince’s Trust and a documentary film crew. All three vessels have stopped at ports such as the Isle of Wight, Newcastle, and the Orkney Islands along the route.
The lead sponsor of the initiative is AkzoNobel’s International Paint, who have supported the project and provided essential products from their range of leading yacht coatings.
Stuart Melville, Global Marketing Support Specialist at International Paint, said: “This has been a fantastic challenge for such a worthy charity and we are delighted to have been supporting the team throughout the journey. Our team has been offering advice and support along the way to ensure the boat is in top condition and the team have had all they need to conquer the challenge. It was great to welcome them home as they completed the challenge.”
People are invited to donate by 'buying' a mile of the expedition for £10 at turntostarboard.co.uk/round-britain-challenge-2016/.
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