Two traditionally rigged tall ships crewed by wounded veterans and serving military personnel will arrive in Weymouth later this month as part of a major UK sailing expedition. The vessels Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew will sail into Weymouth Harbour at around 6pm on Saturday 21 March, where they will remain in the town for four days.
The ships are crewed by a rotating team of around 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving members of the armed forces, taking part in the Full Circle Expedition.
The voyage is organised by the veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard in partnership with the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international sporting event that supports the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through competitive sport.
The Full Circle Expedition set sail from Falmouth on Tuesday 17 March and will travel anticlockwise around the UK and Ireland, visiting 22 ports before returning to Falmouth on Thursday 11 June.
Throughout the voyage, the ships will carry the Invictus Games flag, helping build momentum towards the one-year-to-go celebration for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, which will take place at the NEC in July.
During the Weymouth stopover, the Invictus flag will be formally handed to the town and raised in recognition of the crew, local veterans and all those preparing to compete in the Games. A drinks reception for invited guests and local dignitaries will also be held at Nothe Fort.
A number of community events are planned during the visit. On Sunday 22 March between 3pm and 6pm, a live music event will take place at The Black Dog, featuring performances from Will Keating and local band The Dorset Wrecks.
On Monday 23 March, local veterans will be invited aboard the two ships for a “mess deck morning”, offering the opportunity to experience life on board a traditional tall ship. Educational workshops connected to the expedition are also planned at Bincombe Valley Primary School and Westfield Arts College.
Sally Terry, Chief Executive of Turn to Starboard, said the expedition brings together two organisations that believe adventure can play a powerful role in supporting veterans.
She explained that while the Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation, Turn to Starboard uses the challenge of life at sea to help rebuild confidence, restore purpose and support veterans as they move forward with their lives.
Army veteran Paul Miller, who is the skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said being part of the expedition fills him with pride and highlights how far he has come in his own recovery.
He added that carrying the Invictus flag on the journey is especially meaningful, representing the hopes of many people rebuilding their lives through courage, support and community.
The arrival of the tall ships is expected to be a memorable sight in Weymouth Harbour and a chance for the community to show support for veterans taking part in the expedition.
