Tall ships call at port on veterans voyage

Two tall ships have arrived in Kent as part of a fundraising journey for a veterans charity.

The Spirit of Falmouth and the Pellew, crewed by wounded, injured and sick veterans and serving personnel, brought the flag of the Invictus Games to Ramsgate on Thursday.

The expedition, organised by Turn to Starboard, plans to stop in the port until Sunday on a journey around the British Isles, which began on 17 March in Cornwall.

Skipper of the The Spirit of Falmouth Paul Miller said the journey "reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together".

The Invictus Games flag will be raised in Ramsgate for the duration of the visit, before the expedition, entitled Full Circle, continues to Chatham.

Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard, said: "This expedition brings together two organisations committed to empowering veterans through challenge, camaraderie and community."

The Invictus Games - for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and founded by the Duke of Sussex - are set to be held in Birmingham in 2027.

Turn to Starboard, based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hopes to raise £300,000 for another tall ship during the journey to "expand its long-term support for veterans".

Crews will be rotated in Chatham before the expedition sets sail for Edinburgh on its second of five legs.

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