*Photo of Maraluna II David Harding from Sailing Scenes.

Round Britain Challenge

The aim is to provide an opportunity for Turn To Starboard beneficiaries to be inspired through participating in a round Britain voyage, passaging anti-clockwise. Passage legs could be up to four days and conditions, at times, will be demanding but will also be satisfying with the prospect of enhancing sailing skills for future exploits and qualifications.

The work of the charity, amongst others things, seeks to embrace the many benefits of sailing and being at sea through providing opportunity for beneficiaries to develop new careers in the marine industry. In addition it helps military veterans make the RIGHT turn as they return to civilian life.

The venture will require crew to have strong personal commitment and self discipline to meet the demands of cramped conditions, sustained tiredness, as well as being tolerant towards fellow crewmates.

The Boat and Skipper

Maraluna II is a 1999 Hallberg Rassy 34. It is of traditional design but well fitted out with excellent seakeeping qualities. The skipper is Andrew Smith, a retired Royal Navy submarine navigator, who saw action in the Falklands conflict. On leaving the Royal Navy, Andrew successfully completed a circumnavigation in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race, aboard the 65 ft yacht, Rucanor Sport. He is a Yachtmaster Offshore and until recently a Yachtmaster Instructor.

Andrew has previously raised funds for the charity by completing the 2018 London Marathon. He is passionate about increasing public awareness of the invisible toll that military action can have on servicemen and women who defend this country on our behalf.