Empowering veterans and building resilience

The transition from military to civilian life can be a daunting experience for many veterans.

Adjusting to a new pace of life, coping with mental health challenges, and finding new career opportunities are just some of the issues that veterans face. At Turn to Starboard we provide a solution through sailing - a powerful and transformative activity that not only improves physical health but also fosters mental wellbeing, social inclusion, and skill development.

Through a combination of structured wellbeing sailing programmes and formal RYA training, we offer veterans a unique opportunity to reconnect with themselves, their peers, and society. By engaging in the physical challenge of sailing, veterans develop resilience, teamwork and leadership skills. Through RYA courses we equip them with professional qualifications, which can be used to springboard into new and rewarding careers in the maritime industry.

We look forward to a future where every veteran who needs support can access the opportunities, resources, and camaraderie necessary for a fulfilling life.

There is both empirical and anecdotal evidence that Turn to Starboard is a leader in veteran respite and recovery

The Team

Here at Turn to Starboard we are a tight-knit group that feels more like a family or tribe than a typical organisation. More than half of the staff are veterans themselves, bringing shared experience and understanding to everything they do. This deep connection strengthens the support they offer, creating a space where veterans can truly relate to those leading the programmes.

Each team member plays a vital role, from instructors to shore team, working together to create an environment of trust, empathy, and camaraderie. We are a community where veterans are supported by those who truly understand the challenges of military life.

  • Sally Terry

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    Sally might not be a Veteran herself, but don’t let that fool you – her passion for supporting those who’ve served is unmatched. With a heart full of empathy and a mind focussed on service, Sally leads T2S with unwavering compassion. She’s the calm in the storm, making sure every Veteran feels valued, heard and empowered.  Whether it’s a listening ear, strategising the next big initiative or making sure our crew is supported, Sally’s leadership is all about putting people first. She believes that healing is as much about the people as it is the journey and is here to make sure we are all navigating towards brighter days.

  • Dan Fielding

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER YACHTMASTER INSTRUCTOR

    Dan is a force to be reckoned with, the kind of leader who’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and dive right in – whether it’s running the show, skippering and instructing or boat maintenance.  As an ex Marine he brings relentless energy and a strong sense of duty to his role as our Chief Operating Officer. Though spelling might not be his strong suit, he makes up for it with his brilliant strategic mind and problem solving skills.  Dan is defined by his hands on attitude, charm and commitment and is the man we all call in an emergency. He’s never seen without his trusty sunglasses which double as a headband and is a popular invite to speak at events, often donning his velvet smoking jacket – proving he knows how to mix work with some serious flair.

  • Paul Miller

    CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
    YACHTMASTER INSTRUCTOR

    They call him Windy, not because he talks too much, but because his presence is as steady as the wind itself – reliable, calm and always in control.  As our Chief Instructor Paul knows that the key to sailing is balance, both on the water and in life.  His calming demeanour and unwavering confidence make him the go to mentor for Veterans looking for peace and direction on the open sea.  Whether its navigating tricky waters or helping someone through a rough patch, Paul is the kind of person you can count on to stay steady whatever the storm.

  • Helen Jane

    VETERAN SUPPORT & LIAISON MANAGER

    Helen is the one you want in your corner. As our Veteran Support and Liaison Manager she’s the friendly voice on the other end of the phone, always ready with a kind word, helpful advice or a comforting cup of tea.  A true nurturer, Helen’s role goes beyond logistics and support – she’s the one baking cakes (lots of), remembering all the birthdays and creating an atmosphere of warmth and care that makes everyone feel at home. Her voice on the phone or welcoming smile in the office will most likely be your first point of contact with us, her steady presence then making sure you feel supported and understood throughout.

  • Rebecca Newell

    CRUISING INSTRUCTOR & SKIPPER

    Rebecca is a Skipper who leads with both strength and compassion. Known for her unwavering dedication and caring nature, she’s always ready to support the crew -whether that’s on deck, or with a kind word and a warm smile that never seems to fade. Her commitment to helping others doesn’t stop at sea; Rebecca also volunteers with the Coastguard Rescue service, bringing her calm, capable presence to those in need on and off the water. Strong, dependable, and always positive, Rebecca is the heart of any crew she’s part of, making everyone feel safe, supported and ready to tackle whatever the tides may bring.

  • Gareth James

    SKIPPER

    Gareth is a true testament to the success of our mission, being a graduate of the T2S Skipper Scholarship Scheme. A former Royal Marine, he discovered us through our strong network of beneficiaries and supporters – and it wasn’t long before he became an integral part of the crew.

     With characteristic determination, Gareth made the bold decision to uproot his life and move to Cornwall to pursue his passion for sailing and supporting other veterans.  Gareth’s journey from beneficiary to skilled skipper and leader is a shining example of what’s possible with hard work, dedication, and the right support. We’re proud of what he has achieved and to have him as part of the T2S family.

  • Alex Theo

    APPRENTICE SKIPPER

    Known affectionately as 2116, Alex is our dedicated Apprentice Skipper with a work ethic that’s impossible to miss. We first came across him in a boatyard in Fowey, where Spirit was being lifted for maintenance, and it didn’t take long for his determination and skill to catch our attention – so much so that we couldn’t resist bringing him into the T2S family.  Alex works mostly with Dan, doing maintenance and learning the ropes as he sets his sights on becoming a First Mate and then a Skipper. We like to stay we stole him, but really Alex earned his place and we’re lucky to have him on board.

  • Bethan Jane

    SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICER

    Willow is our unstoppable Special Projects Officer, affectionately known as the person who makes everything happen. With a sharp mind honed by a law degree and an eye for detail, she wears many hats – and wears them all well. As our database queen, she keeps our records in shipshape condition, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. From organising events to handling logistics, she’s the driving force behind the scenes, making sure every project sails smoothly. Willow is also the heart of our social scene, boosting morale with her infectious energy and bringing people together creating a sense of camaraderie that’s essential to our mission.

  • Shona O'Dowd

    CRUISING INSTRUCTOR & SKIPPER

    Text

  • Mike Allan

    YACHTMASTER INSTRUCTOR

    Big Mike is a steady hand with a calm and affable nature that makes him a reassuring presence on board.  A proud Scot (though, strangely enough, not a fan of shortbread), Mike is as dependable as they come – equal parts steady and incredibly kind hearted, with even bigger ambition - as the current record holder of who can get Bluster the furthest, Mike’s next goal is to get her across the Channel. Unflappable and reliable, and always good for a laugh, Mike is the kind of shipmate everyone wants by their side – whether its navigating tricky waters or saving a stranded deer.

  • Phil Morris

    YACHTMASTER INSTRUCTOR

    Phil is the definition of reliability both on and off the water. As a skilled skipper and classroom theory instructor, he’s a go to for getting things done – and if it’s broken, Phil can fix it, no questions asked.

     Beyond his technical know-how Phil volunteers with the RNLI lifeboat crew, bringing a calm and steady presence in the most high pressure of situations. His previous life spent training England’s women’s rugby coaches adds another layer to his leadership, combining discipline, focus, and a relentless work ethic.  Known for his unconventional raw food diet and formidable Cornish attitude, Phil leads by example and sets the bar high.  Whether he is navigating tough seas or solving mechanical mysteries, his steady presence and can do spirit makes sure every challenge is met head on and every job gets done right.

  • Ellie Love

    FUNDRAISING MANAGER

    Ellie is the unsung hero of T2S, the quiet powerhouse behind our fundraising efforts.  Meticulous and deeply dedicated, she works tirelessly to secure the support which keeps our charity afloat.   Diligent in her pursuit of funding, she works relentlessly behind the scenes both finding and securing financial support as well as reporting and feeding back, showcasing our incredible achievements for wider publication. Whilst she prefers to let the results speak for themselves, her impact is felt through every VETERAN’S  opportunity and journey. Ellie’s quiet commitment and brilliance make her an indispensable part of our crew, even if she’s too humble to admit it herself.

Patrons

We are proud to have Patrons who support the charity and get behind a wide range of campaigns to help spread the word.

  • Tom Cunliffe

    British Yachting Journalist, Author and Broadcaster (and sailing Legend)

  • Will Keating

    Singer, Songwriter, Musician and Navy Veteran

  • Sir Dusty Miller

    Former RAF Air Marshal

  • Laura Penhaul

    Record-breaking rower and physiotherapist 

  • Jas Hawker

    Former Red Arrows Pilot

Trustees

Our Trustees work together to develop a clear strategy for Turn to Starboard and ensure that the work we do and goals of the organisation are in line with our vision.

  • Lord Richard Broadbridge

    Chair of Trustees

  • Sue Godzicz

    Charity trustee

  • Sarah Marshall

    Charity trustee

  • Colin McGrory

    Charity trustee

  • Elaine Roberts

    Charity trustee

  • Air Commodore Mark Lorriman-Hughes CBE

    Charity trustee

  • Neil Harper

    Charity trustee

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 Fleet

BLUSTER: BAVARIA 32

Our training yacht Bluster is a fantastic all-rounder, providing sailing opportunities for both novice crew members and experienced hands.

At 32 feet in length, she has two double cabins, two galley bunks, and plenty of communal space for the crew. Bluster is our original yacht and continues to be an integral and reliable part of our T2S fleet.

FIREBIRD: BENETEAU FIRST 38

Firebird is our Racer/Cruiser and affords us the opportunity to teach some of the more advanced sailing techniques.

She strikes a great balance between performance under sail and generous accommodation below deck. Featuring a three-cabin layout, similar to many more modern designs, Firebird sails incredibly well, reducing passage times and offering a wider range of cruising options.

TOMKAT: BENETEAU OCEANIS 393

Tomkat is a 39ft Beneteau Oceanis yacht.

After chartering Tomkat to support our sail training activities, we made the decision to purchase her outright, enabling us to permanently increase our veteran sailing provision. Popular with all who sail her, she has a light, airy design and feels spacious below deck, with three cabins and two heads. Tomkat been an invaluable addition to our fleet.

ANGELS SHARE: BAVARIA 47C

Angels Share is a four-cabin version of the Bavaria 47 Cruiser.

She has spacious accommodation below deck for eight people, with further space in the saloon if required. Boat name trivia: 'Angels Share' refers to the whiskey aging process, when some of the whiskey evaporates. Legend has it, once this whiskey is released into the air, the angels drink.

SPIRIT OF FALMOUTH: GAFF RIGGED SCHOONER

Spirit of Falmouth is our flagship. She is a 92-foot wooden gaff-rigged tall ship, generously gifted to T2S in 2024 by The Prince's Trust, now The King's Trust.

Spirit is a replica Mersey Pilot Schooner, built using traditional methods. She has significant capacity - able to comfortably carry 12 passengers and 6 crew members. She is a truly outstanding vessel and enables us to offer life-changing voyages to our veterans; tall ship sailing is a completely different activity to yacht sailing and something few others offer. Spirit also enables us to deliver our vital charter work.

INVICTUS: RHIB

The 5.85 metre craft plays a vital role as a support vessel for all our activities.

MOONSHADOW

Moonshadow is a Trident Warrior 35 Mk3.

Designed by Angus Primrose and built by Trident Marine, Moonshadow is a wonderful addition to our fleet and will be ready to sail in 2026. Gifted to us by Peter Wells of Guernsey, she is a fully equipped and spacious long keel offshore cruiser with accommodation for up to 6 people.

FAIRLIGHT

Text to come.

Text tp come.

Recognition

National Transport
Trust Award

Turn to Starboard’s flagship tall ship, the Spirit of Falmouth, has been honoured with the National Transport Trust’s prestigious Restoration Award.

This 91-foot wooden Mersey pilot schooner, gifted by The Prince’s Trust in 2014, is now the last of its kind—a replica of the historic Spirit of Merseyside. The award recognises the charity’s dedication to preserving her legacy through ongoing maintenance and hands-on conservation, safeguarding a vital piece of maritime heritage.

Presented by HRH The Princess Royal to Turn to Starboard’s COO, Dan Fielding, at Fawley Hill, Oxfordshire, the accolade highlights both the vessel and the life-changing work she supports. Over the past decade, Spirit of Falmouth has taken more than 1,500 veterans on transformative voyages, where teamwork on deck builds confidence, purpose, and resilience.

Defence Employer Recognition
Scheme Gold Award

Turn to Starboard has been awarded the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, presented by the Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets’ Association at Longleat House on 21 November 2024. Among nineteen South West organisations recognised, the charity was honoured for its exceptional support of the Armed Forces community.

The accolade highlights Turn to Starboard’s commitment to integrating veterans into meaningful roles, fostering a culture rooted in teamwork, resilience, and integrity—values reflected both on board and in its leadership. Lieutenant‑General David James Eastman MBE described the Gold Award as “the highest standard of commitment to those who serve,” praising the charity’s veteran-friendly policies, from flexible leave to targeted recruitment and support networks.

This recognition celebrates Turn to Starboard not just as a therapeutic sailing charity, but as a leading employer of veterans and reservists - empowering service leavers and their families while setting a benchmark for excellence in the Armed Forces community.

The award celebrates not just a beautifully restored ship, but a vessel that continues to change lives—where tradition and transformation sail together.

Policies and Governance

T2S has achieved full membership of Cobseo (The Confederation of Service Charities) whose membership is made up of Service and ex-Service Charities and organisations, working to promote and further the interests of the Armed Forces community.

T2S is also an accredited RYA School and is a member of the Fundraising Standards Board scheme. We are inspected annually and all our Standard Operating Procedures are in lign with those of the RYA.

We are also an Armed Forces Coveanant signatory which means that we agree to demonstrate its two core principles: that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to other citizens; and that special consideration may be appropriate for some members of the community, especially the injured or bereaved.

Our Partners and Supporters