How we help

offers a powerful, alternative pathway to recovery for veterans

Sailing with Turn to Starboard offers a powerful, alternative pathway to recovery for veterans facing complex challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, physical injury, isolation, unemployment, and low confidence. Veterans are disproportionately affected by these issues, and traditional healthcare services often struggle to address their overlapping mental, physical, and social needs.

Turn to Starboard provides a unique, non-clinical environment where veterans can reconnect with themselves and others through the therapeutic power of sailing. As a blue space intervention, it creates a calming, physically engaging setting that supports mental well-being, builds resilience, and restores a sense of purpose.

While social prescribing is growing within the NHS, opportunities like therapeutic sailing remain under-researched and under-utilised. Preliminary studies show promise, and Turn to Starboard is helping to lead the way in demonstrating the life-changing impact of this approach.

Personal Stories

Measuring impact for Turn to Starboard provides valuable data, but numbers alone don’t capture the full picture. While metrics can show participation rates or skill improvements, the true measure lies in personal stories.

Veterans often describe transformative experiences on the water - renewed confidence, reduced anxiety, and a sense of camaraderie that statistics can’t convey. Sailing offers more than physical activity; it fosters resilience, purpose, and emotional healing. These stories, rich with human experience, are the real indicators of meaningful impact.

Every story needs to be heard

Ronnie Cooper

Army

Ronnie joined the Army at 16 with the Parachute Regiment, serving in Northern Ireland and Belize. Struggling with alcohol, toxic relationships, and mental health issues, he left under an Administration discharge and was later diagnosed with CPTSD. After leaving the Army, Ronnie faced homelessness, tenancy issues, and hospitalizations, while also failing to fully engage with available support.

In January 2024, after a difficult relationship breakdown, Ronnie decided to focus on his personal development and reached out to Venture Trust. This led him to Turn to Starboard (T2S). Initially anxious, Ronnie found the experience transformative. Sailing with T2S became a form of therapy, giving him a sense of purpose and connection. He bonded with fellow veterans, including another Parachute Regiment member, and felt part of a supportive, positive community.

The benefits were immediate: Ronnie felt safe, grounded, and encouraged to adopt healthier habits, including quitting smoking and improving his fitness.

As he works towards his Yachtmaster qualification, Ronnie reflects on his journey:

"I’ve been running from myself since the Army. This is me getting my life back."

Now a regular at T2S, Ronnie is a valued member of the T2S community, and everyone is excited to see where his journey leads.

Gareth James

Royal Marines

A chance conversation with a stranger at a marina led me to Turn to Starboard - and it changed my life. I served seven years in the Royal Marines, including active duty in Iraq. After leaving to start a family and become a plumber, I struggled deeply with the transition to civilian life.

My marriage broke down, a close friend passed away, and I turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. Counselling and support groups helped, but something was still missing.

That’s when I heard about Turn to Starboard. With no sailing experience, I joined their Yachtmaster Scheme - a full training programme for veterans. What I found wasn’t just a new skill, but a new purpose and a supportive community that felt like family.

Since earning my Yachtmaster qualification, I’ve become a skipper with T2S, helping other veterans on their own journeys. I’m now working towards becoming a Cruising Instructor and, one day, a Yachtmaster Instructor.

Turn to Starboard gave me back my confidence, my direction, and a reason to give back. It’s more than a charity - it’s been a lifeline.

Yvonne Allenby

RAF

I served in RAF Intelligence for 14 years, enjoying a successful career with global postings. However, my transition to civilian life in 2023 was incredibly challenging. Despite reaching out to several veteran charities, I found little support, partly due to my complicated situation—employed but homeless, living with friends, and struggling with strained relationships.

At my lowest point, my dad, who had sailed on the Turn to Starboard Tall Ship, suggested I reach out. The sailing experience was a game-changer.

It gave me camaraderie, a sense of purpose, and a chance to reset in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

The people were welcoming, and it became a place of relief and personal growth.

Although I can’t attend as often due to work, I’m determined to continue learning with T2S, aiming for my Yachtmaster qualification and potentially a career in the maritime industry. Ultimately, I hope to give back to Turn to Starboard, which has had such a positive impact on my life.

Andrea Ford

Army

I served in the WRAC Provost from 1975 to 1988, and while I had a positive start, my last two years in service were marked by disillusionment, especially due to the fear of being discharged for being gay under the ban.

I faced significant challenges, including misogyny, bullying, and the inability to live authentically. When I left the Army, I felt robbed of my career and struggled to find support.

I first heard about Turn to Starboard through a fellow veteran and signed up for a Tall Ship experience. Initially apprehensive about being accepted, I was pleasantly surprised. The voyage exceeded all expectations, offering a safe, non-judgmental space to share my story with fellow female veterans.

It was an opportunity to reflect, heal, and bond over shared experiences, many of which I had never been able to talk about before.

The sailing and teamwork on the Tall Ship created a deeply healing experience, and I left with restored confidence, self-belief, and pride in my service. I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a supportive community and would relish the opportunity to sail with Turn to Starboard again. It's truly a life-changing experience.

Janet Riddell

NAVY

I joined the WRNS in January 1990 as a Writer and transferred to the Royal Navy four years later, fulfilling my dream of serving at sea - my happy place. Over 18 years, I rose to Petty Officer, travelling the world and experiencing both its wonders and harsh realities. My first ship, HMS Westminster, deployed to Sierra Leone during the conflict in 1998, where the devastation left me with lasting trauma and Complex PTSD. In 2006, I was posted to Baghdad as Chief Clerk to the General, and during one mission our Black Hawk helicopter was brought down by small arms fire. This resulted in my right knee being badly damaged and on my return to the UK I was sent to Selly Oak Hospital. It was decided I would no longer be able to continue to serve in the Royal Navy and in May 2008 I was medically discharged from the service.

How many charities look at ways of tailoring to an individual’s needs - not many. Turn To Starboard not only saved my life but that of hundreds of other veterans.

Determined to rebuild my life, I studied for a degree in HR and Management while working as an HR Manager. Following multiple surgeries, my right leg was amputated above the knee, but within six months I was walking again and volunteering with BLESMA and at the Portsmouth Enablement Centre.

In 2019, I discovered Turn To Starboard, a sailing charity for veterans, reigniting my love for the sea. Since joining, I’ve gained my RYA Day Skipper Theory and am now on the Yachtmaster Scholarship Scheme - finding purpose, belonging, and joy once more.

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