NSSLGlobal backs veterans' sailing voyage around UK

NSSLGlobal is providing satellite communications support for the Full Circle veterans' sailing expedition around the UK. The voyage is carrying the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 flag on a 2,000-nautical-mile route.

NSSLGlobal has equipped the tall ships Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth with broadband satellite connectivity and handheld satellite voice phones for emergencies. It is also providing installation, crew training and round-the-clock technical support throughout the journey.

Organised by Turn to Starboard and Full Circle, the 13-week expedition involves up to 70 ex-forces veterans taking part in different legs of the voyage. It is travelling anticlockwise around the UK, stopping at 22 ports before returning to Falmouth.

Crew members include veterans who are wounded, injured or living with mental health challenges. Organisers say the expedition is designed to support physical and mental health while raising awareness of the Invictus Games in Birmingham.

The sailing challenge also aims to raise GBP £300,000 to help Turn to Starboard buy another tall ship and expand support for former service personnel.

Connectivity at sea

The communications links are being used for welfare, safety and media purposes during the expedition. They help crew members stay in contact with family and allow the voyage to be documented as it moves between ports around the UK.

The project aligns with NSSLGlobal's existing work in defence and maritime welfare. The company has worked with the Royal Navy and organisations including Ocean Youth Trust.

NSSLGlobal also highlighted its previous support for veterans involved with Turn to Starboard, including former soldier Craig Wood. Wood, who lost both legs and his left hand in Afghanistan, spent 90 days sailing solo across the Pacific Ocean, becoming the first triple amputee to complete the journey.

Sally-Anne Ray, chief executive of NSSLGlobal, described the impact the voyage is having on those involved.

"We are delighted to support Turn to Starboard & Full Circle with communications. This hugely uplifting project is using the experience of sea and sail to give our veterans potentially life-changing opportunities to rebuild confidence, strength and a sense of connection in the face of all kinds of physical and mental challenges. We have been lucky to meet some of the organisers and crew at numerous port stays and key events throughout the UK. Staff from our different offices have been on board and experienced first-hand the great atmosphere and teamwork. Having talked with fellow ex-service personnel, it is clear that this expedition is having a great impact, and being able to stay in touch and record the trip is also key," Ray said.

Veteran support

Turn to Starboard was founded to support Armed Forces personnel affected by military operations through sailing and seafaring activities. Based in Falmouth, the charity works with veterans and their families as they move beyond military service.

For the Full Circle expedition, reliable communications form part of the practical support structure for the crews. Organisers say that matters both for safety at sea and for maintaining contact with relatives during demanding stages of the voyage.

"Reliable communications play an important role in keeping our crews connected, supported and safe throughout the Full Circle Expedition. NSSLGlobal's connectivity support enables those on board to stay in touch with loved ones and share their recovery journeys as they carry the Invictus Games Flag around the UK," said Sally Terry, chief executive of Turn to Starboard.

The route links all four nations of the UK and uses two traditionally rigged, wooden-hulled tall ships. By carrying the Invictus flag between ports, organisers are using the voyage as a public-facing symbol of recovery and service while giving veterans direct participation in a structured maritime challenge.

Paul Miller, an Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said the expedition had personal meaning as well as a wider purpose for those on board.

"Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride. It has reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together," Miller said.