Two tall ships crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans have set sail on a 2,000-mile voyage around the UK.
Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew departed Falmouth on Tuesday morning as part of the Full Circle Expedition.
The 12-week journey is coordinated by Turn to Starboard in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
The expedition will visit 22 ports across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, including a scheduled call at Bangor on Belfast Lough.
A rotating crew of 70 veterans and serving personnel will take part across five voyage legs.
The ships are carrying the Invictus Games flag to build momentum towards the Birmingham 2027 event.
The flag was raised ahead of departure at Falmouth Coastguard Station before the vessels sailed at 10:00 am, escorted by the Turn to Starboard fleet.
Cannons were fired from Pendennis Castle as the ships crossed Falmouth Bay.
Turn to Starboard CEO Sally Terry said the voyage highlights the role of challenge and community in recovery.
“This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community,” she said.
“More than a voyage, this is a story of courage, service and renewal.”
Army veteran and skipper Paul Miller said the journey carries strong meaning for those involved.
“Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful,” he said.
“It represents courage, determination and community.”
The voyage is also raising £300,000 to fund a second tall ship for the charity.
Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme, aimed at supporting recovery through sport and shared experience.
The expedition is due to return to Falmouth on 11 June 2026.
Full route:
- Falmouth • Departure: Tuesday 17 March
- Plymouth • Arrival: Tuesday 17 March • Departure: Friday 20 March
- Weymouth • Arrival: Saturday 21 March • Departure: Wednesday 25 March
- Portsmouth • Arrival: Wednesday 25 March • Departure: Wednesday 1 April
- Ramsgate • Arrival: Friday 3 April • Departure: Sunday 5 April
- Chatham • Arrival: Sunday 5 April • Departure: Thursday 9 April
- Ipswich • Arrival: Thursday 9 April • Departure: Monday 13 April
- Hull • Arrival: Tuesday 14 April • Departure: Friday 17 April
- Newcastle • Arrival: Saturday 18 April • Departure: Wednesday 22 April
- Leith • Arrival: Thursday 23 April • Departure: Friday 1st May
- Wick • Arrival: Sunday 3 May • Departure: Wednesday 6 May
- Stromness • Arrival: Wednesday 6 May • Departure: Sunday 10 May
- Stornoway • Arrival: Monday 11 May • Departure: Friday 15 May
- Tanera • Arrival: Friday 15 May • Departure: Monday 18 May
- Oban • Arrival: Monday 18 May • Departure: Thursday 21 May
- Bangor • Arrival: Friday 22 May • Departure: Monday 25 May
- Peel • Arrival: Tuesday 26 May • Departure: Thursday 28 May
- Liverpool • Arrival: Friday 29 May • Departure: Monday 1 June
- Milford Haven • Arrival: Wednesday 3 June • Departure: Friday 5 June
- Isles of Scilly • Arrival: Saturday 6 June • Departure: Wednesday 10 June
- Anchorage – Helford River • Arrival: Wednesday 10 June • Departure: Thursday 11 June
- Falmouth (final return) • Arrival: Thursday 11 June
