Last week, we had the pleasure of taking sixteen Team Forces sponsors to Cornwall for an unforgettable few days on the water with Turn to Starboard – one of our incredible beneficiary charities. This was far more than a sailing trip. It was a powerful opportunity to witness, first-hand, where the money raised by Team Forces goes and the life-changing impact it has on veterans, serving personnel, and their families affected by military operations.
Day 1 – Welcome in Falmouth
We arrived at Turn to Starboard’s offices at 4pm and were welcomed aboard our three yachts:
Angel Share (skippered by Mike), Fire Bird (skippered by Gareth – a former Royal Marine and Turn to Starboard beneficiary, now proudly employed by the charity) and Tall Ship Spirit (skippered by Dan)
These boats would be our homes, our classrooms, and our challenge for the next few days. Among the group were a few seasoned sailors — but many had never stepped foot on a yacht before, making it a truly inclusive, team-based experience. After settling in, we enjoyed fajitas onboard and then gathered for relaxed drinks and introductions at the Chain Locker pub – the perfect start to our time together.
Day 2 – Falmouth to Fowey
With 20-knot winds propelling us forward, we managed to get the headsails up and reached speeds of up to 7 knots. The swell made for exciting conditions (and a little queasiness among some!), but both Angel Share and Fire Bird made safe and steady progress. Spirit had a slightly more dramatic voyage, tearing her headsail shortly after setting off, but all crews arrived safely into Fowey and were rewarded with Cornish pasties on arrival.
That evening, we shared a delicious dinner at Sam’s in Fowey and heard from Dan, Turn to Starboard’s COO. Dan shared his remarkable story – from injured veteran to senior leader in the organisation – and the extraordinary impact Turn to Starboard has had in the past year alone:
- 467 weeks of sailing delivered
- 2,335 sailing days completed
- 189 individual beneficiaries supported through courses
Day 3 – Fowey to Falmouth: Into the Fog
Despite a sunny forecast, we woke to thick fog and rain – proper Cornish weather! We left at 09:00, closely following Spirit, who led the way with sonar navigation through the low visibility.
Later in the day, as visibility improved (though the rain remained constant), the two smaller yachts hoisted their sails and were able to enjoy some pure sailing once again. Fire Bird’s crew were even lucky enough to spot a pod of dolphins and possibly a minke whale. Spirit, being the heavier boat, returned under engine power but with a very happy and bonded crew.
Why This Experience Mattered to Our Sponsors
This experience was more than just a sailing adventure – it offered:
- A meaningful team-building opportunity for sponsors to reward, empower and invest in their staff
- A chance for teams working virtually or in separate locations to connect, collaborate and build lasting relationships
- A unique shared experience across different companies, fostering mutual learning and understanding
- A first-hand insight into how their support of Team Forces directly benefits the military community, helping veterans rebuild their confidence and skills through adventure
Thank You
A huge thank you to Dan, Sally, Helen, Gareth, Mike, Rebecca, and the entire Turn to Starboard team. You looked after us brilliantly and gave our sponsors an unforgettable, inspiring, and deeply impactful experience.
We hope to return next year! To learn more about Turn to Starboard or donate visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk
