Two tall ships crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans have reached the halfway point of a 2,000-mile voyage around the UK. Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew arrived at Wick in Caithness on 4 May after covering 1,000 miles in 48 days.
The expedition, organised by Turn to Starboard, supports recovery through sailing and is linked to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. Crews of around 70 veterans and serving personnel have faced storms, cold conditions and overnight passages since departing Falmouth on 17 March. The voyage also included assisting a stricken yacht, a delayed entry into Weymouth, and an overnight stay near a sunken Second World War wreck.
Flag bearers: Veterans and supporters gather with the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 flag
Will Keating, a Royal Navy veteran, described the experience as significant. “The Full Circle Expedition has given me the space to pause and properly confront things I’ve carried for years,” he said. He added, “Sailing has restored my sense of camaraderie and helped me start opening up.”
The 12-week voyage will visit 22 ports across the UK and Ireland before returning to Falmouth in June.
Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard, said the expedition highlights recovery through challenge. “It has strengthened resilience and brought the crew closer together,” she said. Army veteran and skipper Paul Miller said carrying the Invictus flag was symbolic. “It represents courage, determination and community,” he said.
The voyage aims to raise £300,000 to expand support for veterans dealing with trauma, injury and isolation.
