Navigating the Coast of England Aboard 'The Leader'

In April 2018 a group of ten wounded, injured or sick veterans embarked in ‘The Leader’, a Brixham trawler built in 1892, for six days of sailing adventure on the seas to the south of Devon and in the outer Channel.

The Group was varied with its members coming from very different Service backgrounds and carrying a variety of disabilities.

Our aim was to ensure that everyone had a rewarding experience.

The Leader is owned and run by the Trinity Sailing Foundation.

The Team were accompanied by a Board Member from the Lest We Forget Association, which generously sponsored this expedition. He was also joined by an ex-Royal Naval person, who has considerable experience of command at sea, and a Patron from 65 Degrees North.

The team navigated their way around the coast of England and achieved their aim to encounter adventure, learn new skills, and something of the ways of the sea.

“I realised that I had become too dependant on others but this challenge has provided an opportunity for me to step well away from my comfort zone and discover how I could cope in a totally new environment”  ~ John Evans, Blind Veterans UK