A thriving charity born from personal experience

Our Story

RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd)
Shaun Pascoe

Turn to Starboard was founded in 2012 by RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd) Shaun Pascoe, who drew on his own struggle transitioning to civilian life after 16 years of service in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan.

After raising funds to buy windsurfing gear, Shaun began helping returning personnel connect and recover through watersports.

During his own resettlement, he trained as a Yachtmaster and quickly discovered sailing’s power to restore wellbeing. What started as a personal lifeline soon became a full-time mission, and today Turn to Starboard is a thriving charity helping veterans chart a new course through the healing power of the sea.

Since its inception in 2012, Turn to Starboard has provided over 6000 sailing opportunities to those impacted by their military service. Year on year we see an increase in need, and the measured outcomes accompanying those numbers reassure us that we are consistently changing lives, as well as saving them. 

Our Purpose & Values

At Turn to Starboard, our purpose is to harness the power of the sea to help veterans navigate their next chapter with confidence, purpose, and hope.  

We aim to to help veterans (including serving personnel who are medically downgraded and service leavers) regain confidence, foster camaraderie and reconnect with life through the provision of wellbeing sailing activities and RYA qualifications. We strive to empower veterans to build resilience, re-engage with employment and reintegrate into society by utilising the therapeutic and transformative benefits of sailing.

Everything we do is anchored in Respect, Integrity, Commitment, and Inclusivity and brought to life through our values:

  • Camaraderie Building lasting bonds through mutual support.

  • Resilience Adapting, overcoming, and growing stronger.

  • Empowerment Giving veterans the tools and confidence to lead their future.

  • Wellbeing Promoting mental and physical health.

  • Safety Placing safety at the heart of every action..

Our Partners and Supporters