‘More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal’
Spirit of Falmouth(Image: Turn to Starboard)
Two traditionally rigged tall ships are soon sailing into the city centre. The ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, will be docked near Spurn Lightship in Hull Marina.
Both tall ships are due to arrive on Tuesday 14 April, as part of an expedition in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. There will be an opportunity for people to spend time on board the vessels on Thursday 16 April.
The voyage is coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard. Both ships are crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces veterans and serving personnel, who are taking part in the Full Circle Expedition.
It started in Falmouth last month, and will travel anticlockwise around the UK, stopping at 22 ports before returning to Falmouth in June. The voyage is carrying the Invictus Games Flag, building momentum towards an event being held in Birmingham in July, which will signal one year to go until the 2027 Games.
The Invictus Flag will be handed over to the city of Hull and raised by the Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Cheryl Payne. She said: “It will be really terrific to have these stunning tall ships docked at Hull Marina, and I look forward to welcoming the crew to our city.
“I’m also really pleased that there will be a chance for the people of Hull to visit the vessels whilst they are here, where they will be docked close to the recently restored Spurn Lightship.”
The tall ships will be available to visit on Thursday 16 April between 2pm and 4pm. Entry is free and no tickets are required.
There will also be an opportunity for veterans or reservists to come on board with their families earlier that day between 9am and 12pm, where no advanced notification of attendance is needed.
Timetable
- Tues 14 April – 1600-1700 (approx.) – Full Circle ships scheduled to arrive at Hull Waterside & Marina (HU1 2DQ).
- Weds 15 April – 1230 – The Lord Mayor and other dignitaries will board the ships.
- Weds 15 April – 1315 – The Invictus Games Flag will be raised on the Marina outside the Humber Dock Bar and Grill (formerly the Green Bricks).
- Weds 15 April – 1400 – The Lord Mayor and other dignitaries and crew will attend the Hull4Heroes shop at Princes Quay shopping centre to meet staff and veterans.
- Thurs 16 April – 0900-1200 – Veterans and reservists and their families invited to tour the ships.
- Thurs 16 April – 1400-1600 – General public invited to tour the ships.
- Fri 17 April – 0600 (approx.) – Ships to depart Hull.
Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard said: “While Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 harnesses the spirit of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation, Turn to Starboard draws on the unique challenges of life at sea to rebuild confidence, restore purpose and help veterans navigate life with intention and fulfilment.
“More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.
“We can’t wait to bring this inspiring message to Hull to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements.”
The voyage is also raising £300,000 to enable Turn to Starboard to purchase a second tall ship, so that the charity can support more veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, physical injury, isolation and loss of confidence.
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