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IMPACT REPORT

2017 / 18

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Our missionCEO messageOur year in numbersFeedback: Spirit of FalmouthFeedback: Family SailingFeedback: RYA Competent Crew/Day SkipperFeedback: RacingEndeavoursRound Britain ChallengeCroatia to CornwallCompetitive racing launchSailing to Success: RYA YachtmastersCase studiesOur supportersWhere your money goesContact

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OUR MISSIONTo use sail training to support Armed Forces personnel affected by military operations and their families.

Our focus is on re-integration and re-engagement while providing tangible experiences, expert training and career building opportunities in a supportive and unique environment.

Photography by South West Sky Visions

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At Turn to Starboard, we know there is no time to waste in helping wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women and I am pleased to report that in the last 12 months we have supported more individuals than any previous year.

We are aware that for the charity to have the biggest impact we need to embrace new ideas which is why we launched our new sail racing division at Gosport in Hampshire in partnership with The Endeavour Fund and Help for Heroes. Through this exciting new venture we are able to help even more beneficiaries get active outdoors, regain confidence and learn new skills while helping many start new careers in the marine industry.

Our other four strands of activity – RYA Sail Training, Tall Ship Sailing, Family Sailing and Zero to Hero Programme - continue to flourish with more than 2,000 sailing opportunities provided since we set up just four years ago. None of this could have happened without the generous support from our trustees, patrons, ambassadors, grant providers, fundraisers, volunteers, supporters and staff members with a personal offer of thanks to each person for being a member of our incredible family.

A further note of thanks goes out to those who have supported us since our launch, including Help for Heroes, The Endeavour Fund, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, International Paints, The Golden Bottle Trust and The Joan Braithwaite Trust, along with those joining us more recently such as Lest We Forget Association, RAF Benevolent Fund and Team Ethos.

I hope that, as you read this Impact Report, you can see that what we achieve together will always be greater than what we achieve alone. Our success is in no small way attributable to this collaboration along with the inspirational and dynamic nature of all our supporters.

SHAUN PASCOE

CEO

CEO MESSAGE

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550 TOTAL OPPORTUNITIES

YACHT SAIL TRAINING O P P O R T U N I T I E S

THEORY OPPORTUNITIES33

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

(RYA DAY SKIPPER & YACHTMASTER)

69FAMILYMEMBERSSAILED

OCTOBER 1, 2017 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

S A I L I N G OPPORTUNITIES ON

SPIRIT OF FALMOUTH

61178RACING OPPORTUNITIES

10,800

MADE ON BOARD!

BREWS

PROVIDED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

6 INDIVIDUALS QUALIFIED AS RYA YACHTMASTERS

92BENEFICIARIESATTENDED OUR RACING LAUNCH

SUPPORTERSCAME TOGETHER FROM RAF ST. MAWGAN FOR OUR ‘PIRATE’ SAILING DAY

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152VOLUNTEERS

2,120 HOURS VOLUNTEER

TIME

13,580NAUTICALMILES SAILED

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FEEDBACKWHAT OUR BENEFICIARIES AND THEIR FAMILIES SAY...

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12FEEDBACKSPIRIT OF FALMOUTH

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During my darkest times suffering from PTSD, Turn to Starboard gave me some much needed respite in which I could re-focus my mind into recovery. It's quite incredible really because prior to going to Cornwall I had been quite willing to throw my relationship and life away because I saw no end to how I was feeling. When I returned to the North, I returned with a resolve to fight on … I am forever in your debt. Turn to Starboard helped me on the road to recovery and I shall never forget it.

S A I L I N G OPPORTUNITIES ON

SPIRIT OF FALMOUTH

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Our traditional 91-foot Tall Ship was gifted to the charity by The Prince’s Trust in 2014

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For the first time in many years I have a purpose in life. I have goals to qualify as an RYA Yachtmaster. I feel alive again. I’m enjoying life fully again. I can manage my symptoms. I feel a sense of camaraderie again. I feel a part of something worthwhile and very special once again. I am surviving PTSD.

CHANGE

13,580NAUTICALMILES SAILEDIn the past year our total mileage on the water is equivalent to sailing from Falmouth to Hong Kong and back!

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FEEDBACKFAMILY SAILING

“The whole experience was over and above what could be expected. Having

the family go through so much in the past four years, to be able to have fun

and find that we could smile and laugh together was exceptional.”

What can we say? What an experience! A chance to forget, a change to get my husband back, a chance to be a family. Thank you so much. Words cannot express how grateful we are.

69FAMILYMEMBERSSAILEDWe help veterans and their families re-engage in a completely new environment

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Spending time as a family, doing something we wouldn’t usually do, was a brilliant adventure. We all had a go on the helm, spent time in amazing places and even saw a seal.

“It has been a number of years since ‘we’ as a family have been on holiday together. Turn to Starboard has given us this opportunity. We are grateful to you for giving us this time away.”

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20 21FEEDBACKRYA Competent Crew/Day Skipper

Being put on the yacht with guys who have been on the same tour was pretty cool. Went from war stories by day two to thrashing things out. Waking up in the morning in a bay in Cornwall is pretty amazing too, a real moment if you know what I mean. Thanks Turn to Starboard.

YACHT SAIL TRAINING O P P O R T U N I T I E SWe use RYA sailing courses to help beneficiaries gain new skills and career building opportunities.

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When I came to Turn to Starboard I felt scared and nervous. I was apprehensive because despite the feeling that I wanted to do this I didn’t know what I was capable of and I didn’t want to feel failure again. The week on the yacht was amazing. For the first time since 2006, I haven’t had to apologise for not being able to keep up or take part … I felt part of a team … I felt excited, exhilarated. I felt like I used to feel …

You have a fantastic balance between being a charity, providing a service,

and making a positive difference to the individual and family.

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I would like to thank you and all your Skippers plus patrons of Turn to Starboard for the most exhilarating week that my mind can remember. Your approach to veterans of all denominations is an eye-opener for everyone that spends even the minimum amount of time with anyone within your group.

THEORY OPPORTUNITIES33

(RYA DAY SKIPPER AND YACHTMASTER)

“Highlights were bonding with different people, hearing the amazing stories of their different experiences, hearing about sailing and developing a love for it. Learning from others, and building confidence. Overcoming preconceptions. A positive outlook on life.”

6 INDIVIDUALS QUALIFIED AS RYA YACHTMASTERSA Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Offshore qualification is often regarded as the gold-standard for seamanship.

Our shore-based theory courses aim to teach students how to apply theoretical knowledge to their practical sailing skills.

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FEEDBACKRACING

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the experience you have given me. As a 64 year old veteran with deep thoughts of where my life was heading you have given me a new outlook on life and something to really look forward to in the future...Your staff and crew have gone above and beyond the call of duty, putting yourselves out to help all that I, and the rest of the veterans that attended the sailing course 23-24 of May, took on board.”

Our new competitive racing division was launched in July 2018 at Gosport

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Unbelievable experience, the mixture of being on the water and chatting to like-minded people was worth more than any counselling session.

92BENEFICIARIESATTENDED OUR RACING LAUNCH

Thanks to the incredible support from The Endeavour Fund and Help for Heroes we were able to enter the world of competitive racing which

allows participants to learn new skills, re-build confidence and

connect with other veterans

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“The level of knowledge and teaching expertise was awesome, I felt more comfortable with my surroundings, the guys were understanding of every aspect, I slept really well and just felt like I belonged and could feel my stress disappear.”

178RACING

OPPORTUNITIES

Considering I was thinking of how to avoid attending on the night before, I’m so glad I came. Its been an amazing experience and feels like my soul has been recharged. Brilliant couple of days.

Photography by South West Sky Visions

Since the launch of our new racing division in June 2018

we have provided racing opportunities to veterans along

the south coast of England

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ENDEAVOURS

THIS YEAR, THREE TEAMS OF WOUNDED, INJURED AND SICK VETERANS TOOK PART IN ADVENTUROUS CHALLENGES

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1. ROUND BRITAIN CHALLENGEVETERANS COMPLETED A GRUELLING 8-WEEK ROUND-BRITAIN SAILING EXPEDITION

A tall ship emerged from the mist into Falmouth Harbour on Sunday 1 October, 2017 as a crew of injured veterans marked an emotional conclusion to a gruelling round-Britain sailing expedition.

Seventeen military veterans celebrated the completion of the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge, a 2,000-nautical-mile voyage by finishing at Port Pendennis. Hardy participants had endured ferocious weather conditions – including menacing waves and wild gusts of up to 40 knots – in what organisers described as being ‘a challenge like no other’.

The return of the 92-foot long tall ship to Falmouth, where the challenge began on August 5, signalled the end of an epic marathon that took them to 15 ports across 3 countries. Former soldier and crew member Chris Greenwood said: “The toughest part was the force 10 gales around the Isle of Man and up in Scotland. They ripped the sails so hard we had to stop for a couple of days to get them repaired.”

Expedition leader and former Royal Marine, Dan Fielding, described the second Round Britain Challenge event as ‘extremely tough’.

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38 39“Not only has the crew faced their own challenges after Service life, they have faced incredible challenges throughout this journey,” he said. “From appalling weather conditions to damaged sails and broken steering gear, the team has shown resilience in every situation. The team should all be justly proud of themselves whether completing shorter sections or circumnavigating the entire British Isles. It was an extremely tough expedition and the crew sailed particularly hard, which has resulted in turning the group of novices who set out 8 weeks ago into highly skilled individuals.”

Family, friends and supporters lined the jetty at the Port Penddenis while spectator boats took to the water to welcome home the crew as they reached the finish line.

The lead supporter of the initiative was The Endeavour Fund, which is fuelled by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s passion for supporting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women.

Stuart Croxford, Programme Manager at The Endeavour Fund commented: “What an incredible journey the crew has been on. The challenges they have faced have not only been physical – battling huge waves and difficult weather conditions – but also psychological but I know they will have all worked as a team to support each other. I hope this epic challenge will have inspired many more wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women to rediscover their fighting spirit and self-belief. I’d like to thank Turn to Starboard for their support and congratulate all crew members on their incredible achievements.”

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2. CROATIA TO CORNWALLON MARCH 29, 2018 A TEAM OF VETERANS SAILED 3,000 MILES FROM CROATIA TO CORNWALL

Supported by The Endeavour Fund, this epic endeavour aimed to help the recovery and rehabilitation of injured veterans while helping those with the ambition to create life changing experiences. In total seven injured veterans took part in the voyage with each person completing sections of the journey. Expedition leader and Turn to Starboard staff member, Paul Miller, was on board for the whole voyage.

Prior to setting sail, he said: “This unique challenge will be hugely demanding, both physically and mentally, yet it will be exceptionally rewarding for the crew to gain such valuable experience while sailing past some of the most beautiful countries in Europe. This journey is about showing that suffering from physical or mental injuries doesn’t have to mean aspiring to less, and will help crew members gain valuable miles towards their Royal Yachting Association qualifications.”

After experiencing gale force winds, strong rip tides and a broken engine, the crew arrived at their destination of Cornwall after spending 70 days at sea.

Read crew member stories on page 63 and 65. EXPEDITION LEADER PAUL MILLER (LEFT) WITH CREW MEMBERS ON THE CROATIA TO CORNWALL EXPEDITION

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3. COMPETITIVE RACING LAUNCHARMED FORCES VETERANS PITTED THEIR SAILING SKILLS AGAINST EACH OTHER AT THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW COMPETITIVE RACING DIVISION

In partnership with Help for Heroes and The Endeavour Fund, this year we launched our brand new competitive racing division at Gosport in Hampshire. More than 50 injured veterans took to the water to compete at a special 3-day regatta.

Beneficiary Lt Cdr Jay Saunders said: “A couple of weeks ago I was hiding in my bed, but this regatta had me up and chasing a win I would never have dreamed of. Thanks to Turn to Starboard I discovered that my PTSD can’t take control of me when I’m sailing and the racing element has enabled me to turn my anxiety into adrenaline, and of the good sort. I found my competitive nature returning and I needed to get to the front of the fleet. I’m so thankful that Turn to Starboard has helped me find a part of myself that I thought that I had lost.”

THE WINNING TEAM AT OUR RACING LAUNCHTURN TO STARBOARD RACING REGATTA, GOSPORT

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46Over the duration of the regatta the crew were led by professional skippers on eight racing yachts to compete in three races around the Solent. Under clear skies and enjoying gusts of 10 to 15 knots ‘Team International’ skippered their way to the finish line at least eight boat lengths ahead of their nearest friendly rival ‘Team ABF Soldier’s Charity’. ‘Team Endeavour’ asserted their dominance over the rest of the fleet to finish in third place.

The event was followed by an awards ceremony at Haslar Marina with trophies for the winners and runners up.

Turn to Starboard Chief Executive, Shaun Pascoe, said: “We’re really excited about the launch of our new racing division this summer. The sport of sailing helps individuals affected by operations to get active outdoors, regain confidence and learn new skills to help start new careers in the marine industry. With support from Help for Heroes and The Endeavour Fund, we are able to show people how sailing is a great way to get active outdoors and enjoy the physical and social benefits the sport can provide.”‘

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SAILING TO SUCCESSA SELECTION OF VETERANS WHO PASSED THE RYA YACHTMASTER OFFSHORE EXAM THIS YEAR

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JOHNNY SLATERFind out how one former soldier rebuilt his life after discovering the healing power of the ocean

Army veteran Johnny Slater suffered multiple fractures in both legs after stepping on an IED device in 2012. As well as living with the physical effects of the incident, he has since suffered with his mental health - a hidden wound which has impacted on his recovery process and the lives of his wife and three children whom he lives with in Yorkshire.

“Although the physical pain is always there, you learn to cope with it,” he explains. “Yet I found that the medication I was on wasn’t great for my mental health, it brought mood swings, which didn’t help.”

Johnny, 47, was medically discharged in 2016 after regular visits to Headley Court, the MOD’s rehabilitation centre in Surrey. The former soldier would spend four weeks at a time with physio and

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52 53occupational therapists, along with an exercise rehabilitation instructor.

“I was in a wheelchair for the first eight months of my treatment, and for the last four years I’ve had numerous operations on both legs. Going through each process was a major set-back each time as I had to re-learn to walk and use crutches again. Although I can walk now, it did reach a point where the only other thing they could do was remove my foot, which I obviously wanted to avoid.”

It was at the Surrey centre that Johnny was introduced to mentoring charity Band of Brothers, who in turn suggested he contacted Turn to Starboard. The organisation has a national remit to work with veterans affected by operations, helping to get them back on track with their lives. They offer several programmes from Royal Yachting Association-accredited courses for beginners to week-long family trips, as well as an extensive Zero to Hero Yachtmaster development programme which gives participants the necessary qualifications to begin a career in sailing.

Johnny decided to book a 3-day sailing trip for himself and his family and travelled to Cornwall in the summer of 2014.

“It was great because the weather was good and the trip allowed us to spend some quality time together without the kids being on their phones and no outside interference. When we first climbed aboard my wife felt out of her comfort zone but the skipper immediately put her at ease and she soon began to enjoy herself. It was also a good feeling to put my injury to one side and think about what I could do rather than what I couldn’t for a change.”

A few weeks later Johnny decided to return to the charity on his own for a week-long sailing trip. Although he had tried sailing while in the Army, he had never gained any sailing qualifications and was delighted to be awarded the practical element of his RYA Day Skipper at the end of the course. “Although with my restricted mobility it was a bit challenging, yet I was still able to find my way around the yacht. And getting the Day Skipper Practical felt great, it made me feel that I was still useful and didn’t have to resign myself to the scrapheap”.

Earlier this year Johnny became a skipper in his own right after gaining his coveted RYA Yachtmaster qualification. “Sailing has opened up a whole new perspective on life and helped me focus on what I can achieve rather than on what I can’t. The experience also made me realise that you don’t have to be in a 9 to 5 job and there are career options like being a skipper of a chartered yacht, boat delivery work or sailing instruction abroad. Without a doubt it’s

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TONY YEARDLEYLife after the army: how one former soldier retrained as an RYA Yachtmaster

Tony Yeardley served more than 12 years in the army before he was medically discharged in 2013. During his military career he completed six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and was looking for a more stable life and new opportunities since arriving back home.

By chance, while at a recovery centre he met Turn to Starboard founder Shaun Pascoe who convinced him that his military skills of leadership, teamwork, discipline and acceptance of responsibility could also be applied to the marine industry.

Five years later Tony is now a qualified RYA Yachtmaster, having taken full advantage of the support on offer from Turn to Starboard and is enjoying a new life he didn’t initially expect.

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56 57“When I first arrived at Turn to Starboard it was a very big step for me as I was dealing with my own recovery. Yet I immediately felt the therapeutic effects of being out on the water and started to sail on a regular basis while helping out with maintenance on the Spirit of Falmouth – a 92-foot tall ship owned by the charity.Being a ‘hands-on’ kind of person, rather than someone who sits in a classroom learning, the theory side of sailing was challenging at times. Yet thanks to the patience of everyone at the charity I went on to pass my RYA Day Skipper qualification the following year. It showed me that I did have the confidence and skills to get through, which felt great.

“After taking part in regular sailing trips at Falmouth, I was asked to take part in a one-week sailing experience in Corfu which was amazing. We spent a week learning new skills while sailing around the stunning island with hidden coves and beautiful beaches.Next I was invited by the charity and Help for Heroes to take part in the famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world joined us as on-board navigator which was pretty special too. After one week’s training in Hampshire we flew to Australia for further training on a 70-foot Clipper and set off on the 628 nautical-mile race from Sydney Harbour to Hobart in Tasmania. It was challenging to race such a highly-tuned yacht at full tilt over some of the most difficult seas in the world, yet out of 107 yachts in the race we managed to finish in 49th place! It was an amazing experience and I learned new skills and racing techniques which I brought home and am passing on to others who are learning to sail at the charity.

“Also, earlier this year I sailed a 2050-mile leg from Croatia to Alicante in Spain as part of the charity’s Croatia to Cornwall endeavour. The trip was also a huge learning experience and helped to build my confidence even further while regaining the sense of responsibility I used to have in the Armed Forces.To achieve a level where you can be called an RYA Yachtmaster is absolutely fantastic, yet I also appreciate that this where the real sailing starts and I have a lot more experience to gain before I progress onto bigger and better things. Being involved with Turn to Starboard has opened a lot more doors for me and allowed me to plan for the future.”

58 59ROSS BRADYThe former Royal Marine transitioned to RYA Yachtmaster with Turn to Starboard

Leaving the Armed Forces and re-entering the working world after a career in the military can be a daunting process for many.Former Royal Marine, Ross Brady, served in 42 Commando and suffered from a hearing injury. The 28-year-old describes his struggle to settle in a new career after leaving the service in 2015 and the inspiring help he received from Turn to Starboard that has led to a new career.

“After leaving the Marines I worked in six different jobs and didn’t really know what I wanted to do until my Dad, who is a sailing instructor at the charity, asked if I wanted to try a weekend of sailing. I decided to sign up for a family sailing trip and brought my little brother and Mum along to Falmouth. It was the peak of the summer so the weather was great and we all really enjoyed the experience, so after that I decided to stay on and volunteer for the charity helping out as crew on sailing trips to the Isles of Scilly on board the tall ship ‘Spirit of Falmouth’. It was good fun and I enjoyed the team work. “By then I had got hooked on sailing and decided to start on the charity’s Zero to Hero programme. I liked the idea of a flexible course and learning skills towards a potential new career. At first I didn’t find it easy to remember all the terminology and how the wind actually moves the boat, but after a while it began to sink in and I

ROSS BRADY (PICTURED LEFT)

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60 61completed my RYA Competent Crew qualification fairly quickly. From there I continued to sail on a regular basis and continued through the program while learning all the time. “Gaining my RYA Yachtmaster was definitely a challenge, yet it feels good to have completed the course within a year although I realise this is just the beginning and I want to gain a lot more experience in the future. It may sound odd but becoming a Yachtmaster has made me feel ‘clever’ for the first time in my life. I didn’t do particularly well at school and didn’t bother with exams but sitting in the classroom studying on the Zero to Hero course I realised I’m not quite as daft as I maybe thought. It feels good to have people looking to me to answer their sailing questions, which I’ve never had before and gives a real sense of achievement.

For me, it was working out how to organise people for different roles on the yacht according to their abilities and playing on their strengths. It took me a while to understand how to best achieve it but I got there in the end which is a big benefit for how the team work together on the boat.

“My ultimate goal is to own my charter company in the Med and I’ve set myself the target of owning two boats within 10 years. Turn to Starboard and its supporters have helped me out massively and I never saw this happening.I like being active and outdoors. I also enjoy sailing in all weathers whether it’s rough or just pottering along in calm seas. To be with all the guys just chatting away is pretty special on its own and I’ve found something that I really enjoy. Since leaving the Marines and working in various jobs and bouncing around doing different things it’s great to have finally found something that I want to do for the rest of my life – I feel motivated again.”

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CASE STUDYNICK PINNIGER: CROFT AWARD WINNER

Nick Pinniger scooped The Croft Yachtmaster Award in recognition of his efforts progressing through the RYA Yachtmaster training programme at Turn to Starboard. The award is presented annually to a Yachtmaster under training who has demonstrated resilience and effort to overcome the personal and academic challenge. Nick, 27, first set foot on a yacht in February this year.

He said: “I am extremely privileged to be part of this charity, never mind receiving The Croft Yachtmaster Award. I am truly honoured and would like to offer a big thank you to my new welcoming family as the Turn to Starboard experience has truly changed my life. A special thank you goes out to my instructors Paul Miller and Dan Fielding, because never before have I had such patient, knowledgeable and professional tuition.”

Nick hopes to complete his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore training by March next year and has aspirations to enter the yacht industry as a captain.

DEBORAH FREW: CROATIA TO CORNWALL CREW MEMBER

Army veteran Deborah Frew sailed 1,656 miles from Alicante in Portugal to Newlyn in Cornwall as part of the endeavour.

‘Deb’ gained her RYA Day Skipper qualification last year and decided to test her sailing skills and gain valuable sailing miles towards her RYA Yachtmaster qualification.

“I took part in the challenge to put all my sailing skills into practice, yet what actually happened was much bigger,” she said. “Being cooped up with a small group of people for five weeks made me realise I had progressed with my own recovery by learning to manage my feelings inwardly rather than showing them outwardly.

“The trip also made me realise that we are never too ill or too old to learn new skills that can be turned into a new career or hobby. My advice is to give everything a go. If you don’t get lost, you’ll never be found!”

CASE STUDY

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LEE THOMAS:CROATIA TO CORNWALL CREW MEMBER

Lee Thomas served in the RAF for 11 years before getting in touch with Turn to Starboard. He decided to take part in the expedition to gain experience and sailed 1,020 miles from Croatia to Sicily in Italy.

“The voyage was awesome and easily the best thing I’ve ever done. Before the trip I was struggling a bit and wasn’t getting out of the house much, but the experience has helped me to reclaim my life back. I really enjoyed how the skipper taught us to sail, he had a really relaxed style with no pressure which made things easier. If I made a mistake he didn’t scream or shout but just reminded me I could do it which filled me with confidence. I’m hoping to complete my RYA Yachtmaster qualification by the end of this year and eventually go on to teach others in a similar situation, so thanks to the Endeavour Fund and Turn to Starboard that can now become a reality – the trip really has changed my life.”

CASE STUDY

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THANK YOUTHANK YOU TO THE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GIVEN US THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT.

Golden Bottle Trust

Joan Braithwaite

Trust

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WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES...

£310 buys an all-weather jacket and trouser set

£280 pays for a yachtmaster practical exam

£110 pays for one week of mooring fees

£7 buys a log book

£140 buys a safety lifejacket

Sponsor a Yachtmaster for £7,000

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CONTACT

info@turntostarboard.co.uk

turntostarboard.co.uk

Turn to StarboardFalmouth MarinaNorth ParadeFalmouthTR11 2TD

01326 314 262

Registered charity number: 1161201

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Registered charity number 1161201