Following on from the outstanding success of Exercise Transglobe, our next project for 2010 – 2011 has now been planned.

On October 25th, our Challenge 67, ENDEAVOUR,  will set sail from Gosport  to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands before changing crews for  the transatlantic trip to Marigot Bay St Lucia, where the yacht will be based until the following April.

Ex CARIBBEAN ENDEAVOUR is a regular exercise for JSASTC, however in previous years the vessel has used Antigua as an operating base. We have changed the routine this time as we believe that St Lucia will give us more scope for planning trips both north and south in the West Indies.

The whole exercise will be broken down into 13 legs each of two week duration with the exception of the transatlantic legs which will be allocated 4 weeks each.  The longer legs are ideal for those wishing to build sailing miles, experience the challenge of an ocean crossing and do a qualifying passage towards the Yachtmaster Ocean certificate.

Remember that on all the legs, the majority of the berths are reserved for the absolute novices or those with little experience of the sea or sailing. The Caribbean is chosen as an ideal place to conduct Adventurous Sail Training due to the chance of doing long passages in what can be very demanding sailing conditions. The  trade winds are rarely less than 25 knots and we often experience well in excess of that.

What you will not get is two weeks in the sun relaxing by the pool with a bit of sailing thrown in.  What you will get is the chance to work in a 13 man crew, pulling up and controlling very heavy sails in tropical heat, cooling down with a frantic sail change on a pitching foredeck and sailing along under the most amazing starlit sky that you will ever see. Depending on the route, each Leg can expect to visit at least four islands during the two week passage.

The exercise is open to RN, Army, RAF, Reserve Forces and University Officer Training Corps personnel.  Novices as well as experienced sailors should apply. Units are encouraged to bid for whole legs but individual berths are also available.

The Project Officer is particularly keen to hear from Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachtmaster Coastal qualified sailors to act as afterguard. Each leg will require a Yachtmaster Offshore mate and for Ocean legs a Yachtmaster Coastal watch leader. Ex CARIBBEAN ENDEAVOUR is an excellent opportunity to gain big boat experience. 

The project Officer has attempted to keep Individual leg costs as low as possible. At this stage we do not anticipate crew contributions to exceed £800 for most legs, This cost will offset by a Service AT grant of £150.00, there by reducing the individuals leg cost to £650. Individuals should then approach their Commanding officer for Unit grants or local funds. This covers air fares, mooring fees, local taxes and fees and a crew shirt.  Please contact the project Officer for further information on service funding for the exercise.

Maj Chris Sumner

Mil : 94321 ext 3205
Civ:01980 673205


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