On Week To Go before Full Circle sets sail
In one week’s time, wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel will set sail from Falmouth on a 2,000-mile expedition around the UK, carrying the Invictus Games Flag as part of the Full Circle Expedition.
Departing on 17 March 2026, two traditionally rigged tall ships – Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew – will be crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick veterans and serving personnel as they sail anti-clockwise around the UK.
The voyage is coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event that uses the power of sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
Over 12 weeks, the Full Circle Expedition will visit 22 ports across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, returning to Falmouth on 11 June 2026. Along the way, the crew 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.
The journey will be sailed in five legs, with crew changes at each stage:
Falmouth to Chatham; Chatham to Edinburgh; Edinburgh to Oban; Oban to Liverpool; and Liverpool back to Falmouth.
Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard, said:
“This expedition brings together two organisations committed to supporting veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community. While the Invictus Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, Turn to Starboard uses the unique challenge of life at sea to rebuild confidence and restore purpose.”
“Full Circle is more than a voyage – it’s a powerful story of courage, service and renewal. It shows how adventure can bring people together and help veterans navigate the next chapter of their lives.”
Paul Miller, Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, said:
“Being part of this expedition fills me with real pride. Sailing the Invictus Games Flag around the UK represents courage, determination and community – values that stay with us long after military service ends.”
Full Circle forms part of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Impact Programme. Through teamwork, challenge and time at sea, the expedition aims to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick veterans.
Captain Lee Hazard RN, Director of Special Projects, Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said:
“With the Invictus Games Flag onboard, these remarkable veterans will 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.”
