I’m taking 3 weeks off work!

At the end of April I’m taking 3 weeks off work to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip – I’m sailing from Edinburgh to Oban in a Tall Ship. With approximately 17 Military Serving and Veteran personnel, I will be sailing on Leg 3 of carrying the Invictus Flag around the UK as part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.

It’s a huge honour to be chosen to be part of it but as the time gets closer to my ‘deployment’ date, it’s also made me realise how much I’ve missed being around Army personnel, their banter and general easiness.

My military background

I went to the military sixth form college at 16 years old, not quite realising that at the end of sixth form I was signing up.

In 2006 I finished with a 2:1 BSc degree in Information Systems Management at the Royal Military College of Science. A degree or university I didn’t choose but due to occasional ‘bad’ behaviour at college, the military didn’t want me to go to a civilian University in case I decided to be a civilian instead! Outside of studying at university I worked in a pub, Starbucks and for a catering agency and used the time in the holidays to either sail or ski with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, REME, or travelled around the world. In January 2007 I went to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for 11 months – our final exercise was in a cold and frosty December on Salisbury Plains rather than warm Cyprus like some of the previous intakes. In December 2007 I commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals as a Second Lieutenant and left as a Captain in 2016, after my second child was born.

I genuinely loved my time in the Army, the highlights were going abroad on operational tours and exercises in Iraq, Jordan, Afghanistan and Tampa, Florida. I didn’t take the typical career route (if you’ve met me then you probably realised that I’m not the type of person who follows the norm) and rather I chose jobs which were interesting. So when I chose to leave I was happy with what I had achieved, the difference I had made and experiences I had had, but I also knew I couldn’t stay in the Army and keep doing what I loved whilst also committing to my children.

For years afterwards people have asked if I miss the military, and my answer has always been – I loved that wherever you go, you always end up seeing someone you know; you were never truly alone and there were so many amazing people. Friends you made for a lifetime, regardless of where they are in the world.

When you leave the military, especially if you decide to live away from military bases, like Moreton in Marsh, it can be pretty hard going. I found that very few people understand my life and military experiences, my thought processes, humour, or the fact that I solo parent a lot and reasons why I don’t ask for help.

Sailing

Going on this expedition is going to be more emotional and wholesome than I can predict. I am an experienced sailor, my last big passage was from Western Samoa to the Kingdom of Tonga in 2006, and although it’s been a ‘few’ years, I’m certain the knowledge is still tucked away in my brain. But this isn’t just about the adventure – it’s about being surrounded by my original tribe. Reminding me of the parts of myself that I’ve forgotten over the years.

You’re all treated the same, no matter who you are. You are part of the family.

I hadn’t reflected on how I run my sports massage and holistic therapy business, or how I treat each client, but since having become involved in the Full Circle expedition, I’ve realised that there’s definitely one value I have kept all these years. It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are, you’re always welcome, and I will always try to make the connection come easily. We all have our own differing stories, life experiences and future plans, but underneath all of it we’re similar people who want to be heard and mentally held, without judgement.

Full Circle, the Turn to Starboard Tall Ship Expedition

Typically Hannah, I decided to apply for the most interesting part of the Full Circle Expedition, the one around the North Coast of Scotland, without thinking too deep about it. I think part of me didn’t think I would get accepted, so when I got the email in January and subsequently looked into where Leg 3 was going and doing, I was a little overwhelmed! I get sea sick, and we are sailing in the North Sea. My husband reminded me that Leg 3 is also known as the Adventure Leg! I’m going to focus on there being great winds, calm seas, orcas, dolphins, maybe puffins and constant beautiful clear skies…for now I can dream, and keep my fingers tightly crossed!

Tall Ships

The two Tall Ships sailing 2,000 nautical miles around the UK coast, are:

Spirit of Falmouth. A traditional 80 foot gaff-rigged schooner, based in Falmouth and is used as a sail training ship operated by the Veterans sailing charity, Turn to Starboard.

Pellew. The fastest and and largest (88.5 foot long) Pilot Cutter of her time. She’s currently owned privately. Turn to Starboard are hoping to raise enough money to buy her and use her as their second sail training ship so that they can help a larger number of Military Veterans concurrently.

Where and where I’m sailing

Currently the itinerary, subject to change due to weather, is below. I will try and update this whilst sailing, but if I’m unable to, you can see the up to date information at the bottom of the webpage: https://www.turntostarboard.co.uk/full-circle.

If you are in the area or know of any veterans or serving personnel in the area, we are hosting Mess Decks in each location. These are times when military personnel are able to come onboard, have a brew and a chat, and feel part of the tribe.

You can also track both sailing ships going about the UK here: https://pro.yb.tl/full-circle