For immediate release

Innovative charity shortlisted for top award

An innovative charity that helps injured veterans by teaching them to sail has been shortlisted for this year’s Cornwall Business Awards.

Shaun Pascoe, a former commanding officer leading medical evacuations in Iraq and Afghanistan, set up Turn to Starboard at Falmouth in Cornwall three years ago.

Now the organisation hastaken a massive step forward after been shortlistedfor the 'Best Third Sector Business' - one of 14 categories up for grabs this year.

More than 300 business leaders are expected to attend the glittering awards ceremony at St Mellion International on May 12.The event is organisedby the Cornwall Development Companytoshowcase the county's brightest business talent to the wider world.
Shaun Pascoe said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for these privileged awards. As a not-for-profit charity helping injured veterans from all over the UK, it feels great for our team to be recognised for all their hard work and efforts.
“Last year we sailed 184 injured veterans and this is set to increase once again in 2016. By being supported by all five major military charities, including Help for Heroes and the Royal Air Force Association, we can continue to deliver thisextraordinary growth along with the help ofour amazing staff, volunteers and partners.”
Turn to Starboardis run by a group of serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, civilian staff and volunteers who believe that sailing has a therapeutic and calming effect on participants. They help military personnel affected by operations to gain sailing qualifications to help start new careers anywhere in the world. They also offer sailing trips to Service families who have been affected by operations to spend time together on a skippered yacht.

In June, the charity willsaila crew of injured veterans around the British Isles.The Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge 2016 will see a crew of up to 30 veterans – many with little or no sailing experience – sail aboard a 92-foot replica Tall Ship. The 2000-mile voyage is expected to take 8 weeks and is planned as a way to help participants gain new skills while highlighting the challenges some veterans face.

A full list of the Cornwall Business Award finalists can be found at

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  • Turn to Starboard Office: 01326 314262
  • Email us at:
  • Website:
  • Follow Turn to Starboard on Twitter:twitter.com/turntostarboard
  • Find Turn to Starboard on Facebook: facebook.com/turntostarboard
  • Or write to us at: Turn to Starboard, Falmouth Marina, North Parade, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2TD

Notes to Editors

  • Turn to Starboard is a COBSEO registered charity using RYA sailing courses to supportArmed Forces personnelwho have beenaffected by military operations.We supportthose who are Serving orRetired and their families.
  • We help those retired from the forces and those still serving to get perspective on past events and focus on a successful future.
  • Beneficiaries gain tangible experiences, expert training and career-building opportunities including the chance to gain internationally recognised marine qualifications.
  • Registered Charity number 1148549

Issued: 20/04/2016

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