Forces Sailors' Stamina & Courage Put To Test In Race To Plymouth
The week-long Inter-Services Offshore Sailing Regatta is underway after nine teams began their race to Plymouth.
The annual competition sees three teams from each of the services set sail from the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre in Gosport.
One of the competitors, Air Commodore Dave Lee, told Forces Network:
"[It's a] very challenging environment. Offshore racing is inherently challenging... [and] demanding of people's stamina, endurance and courage."
"It's a really great way for people to bond."
Each yacht is crewed by sailors with a variety of experience, from complete novices to Yachtmasters, with one of the main aims that people enjoy themselves.
Army Sergeant Rebecca Oakes, who is also taking part, spoke of her enjoyment of the event but also the desire to come out on top:
"I really want to win. We're all quite competitive, so we're all here to win."
The event is very different from the competitors' day-jobs but still allows the development of valuable skills.
For some of the crews, it'll be a 30-hour sail, with each team hoping to win this year's title on Saturday.
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