Working on a superyacht can be a dream job but it is a demanding environment that can take a toll on a crew member's mental wellbeing.

Recognising this, the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) operates the helpline YachtCrewHelp to make sure the men and women working on superyachts - and their families - can easily access support. Contact is confidential and support is 24/7.

To raise money and awareness for YachtCrewHelp - Andy Gerrard and Brendan OShannassy (Ch Eng + Capt MY SOPHIA) will be riding the TransAlp mountain bike route from Garmisch, Germany, through Austria and Switzerland and ending in Lake Garda, Italy.

Starting 20 June the TransAlp is 7-days of 8-10hrs riding per day - for a total of 500km and 10 000 vertical metres.

As a nod to the Alpine terrain, the ride has picked up the handle - “Middle-Age Mountains” - aiming to highlight the importance of senior crew / leaders in the yachting community looking after their own physical & mental health and to be educated to the support of others.

Donating now to the YachtCrewHelp JustGiving page ensures ISWAN can keep this vital service running for yacht crew worldwide.