Wounded, Injured, and sick veterans sail into Portsmouth carrying Invictus Games Flag on 2,000-mile UK expedition
Wounded, Injured, and sick veterans have sailed into Portsmouth today (Wednesday 25th March) carrying Invictus Games Flag on 2,000-mile UK expedition.
Two traditionally rigged tall ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel, have arrived in Gunwharf Quays as part of the Full Circle Expedition.
During the crew’s eight-day stay in Portsmouth, the Invictus Flag will be handed over to the City of Portsmouth and raised to honour the crew, local veterans and all of those competing at the Invictus Games.
Formalities will also include a dinner aboard HMS Warrior where crew will join local dignitaries for an event on the Gun Deck as well as events at the Square Tower and Barley Mow Pub.
Local veterans will be invited to join a "mess deck morning" and come aboard the Pellew and the Spirit of Falmouth on Saturday (March 28) to experience life on a tall ship. With local cadets and public invited to come aboard on Monday, March 30. The crew will also be running an exclusive workshop with the Hope House Homeless Charity.
The voyage is coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the international adaptive sporting event for veterans founded by Prince Harry.
Full Circle set sail from Falmouth on March 17 and will travel anticlockwise around the UK, stopping at 22 ports in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, - including Portsmouth - before returning to Falmouth on June 11.
The voyage will carry the Invictus Games Flag around the UK, building momentum towards the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 one-year-to-go event at the NEC in July 2026.
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Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard said: “This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community, each united in the belief that adventure can be truly transformative.
“While Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 harnesses the spirit of sport to inspire recovery and rehabilitation, Turn to Starboard draws on the unique challenges of life at sea to rebuild confidence, restore purpose and help veterans navigate life with intention and fulfilment.
“More than a voyage, this expedition is a powerful story of courage, service and renewal, showing how adventure and the sea can heal, inspire and bring people together.
“We can’t wait to bring this inspiring message to Portsmouth later this month to reach more veterans and highlight their challenges and remarkable achievements.”
Paul Miller, Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said: “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. Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK is deeply meaningful. It represents courage, determination and community - values that we must hold on to after military service ends.”
“Taking the Invictus Flag on this journey feels especially meaningful. It carries the hopes of so many people rebuilding their lives through courage and community. Seeing Turn to Starboard and the Invictus Games come together in this way is powerful – every mile we sail, and every donation raised, helps build resilience and support the veteran community.”
Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme. Through teamwork, challenge and time at sea, the expedition will help inspire the recovery and rehabilitation of WIS veterans who are suffering from trauma as a result of their service.
Captain Lee Hazard RN, Director of Special Projects, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 said: “With the Invictus Games Flag onboard, these remarkable veterans led by Turn to Starboard will utilise their military skills to sail with purpose and skill. Full Circle shows that recovery doesn’t only happen on the field of play - it happens through challenge, connection and community.
“As we build towards Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the Full Circle Expedition is helping the nation see the strength and resilience of those who serve today and those who have served before them.”
The voyage is also raising £300,000 to enable Turn to Starboard to purchase a second tall ship, so that the charity can support more veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, physical injury, isolation and loss of confidence.
To donate to Full Circle, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/t2sfullcircle