ROUND THE UK 2021

Round The UK 2021

The First Training Trip!

The First of a Number of Training Expeditions

This summer, the Beacon of Hope Sailing Project embarks on its first official trip! Our crew will sail around the UK, visiting one city in each of the four devolved nations. This expedition will be the first real test of our skippers, Aaron and Vicky's, leadership skills and will provide them with vital time on the water in preparation for leading the round the world expedition. 


Most importantly, this expedition is about engagement. We want to meet and interact with as many people as possible during our stops, over social media and on any other platforms. It is vitally important to us that our message of hope in the face of adversity is spread, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. This smaller expedition allows us to focus solely on the UK- specifically educating people we meet about the mental and physical benefits of activities such as sailing and the impact they can have on a person's recovery journey. 


The official route will be released on june 1st 2021 followed by crew announcements over the course of the month.


The Route

Our Round The UK Expedition will depart Cowes, Isle of White between the 31st of July and the 3rd of August- right in the middle of Cowes week. We will be in attendance for the majority of the week, engaging with the public, fundraising and spreading our message of hope in the face of adversity.

Cowes - Departure

Our journey begins in Cowes, Isle of White- one of the UK’s most popular sailing destinations. Home to our training partners the UKSA, the Isle of White boasts a rich yachting history, dating back to the 19th century. Perhaps the most popular sailing event in the UK sailing calendar is Cowes week.


Cowes week is the name given to the Royal Yacht Squadron Regatta later in its history, and has run since 1826, growing year on year. Now over XXXX Thousands of people attend every year to show off their skills in the wide range of sailing regattas such as the round the island race- held at the end of Cowes week. We couldn't think of a more fitting place or occasion to launch the Beacon of Hope Sailing Project and begin our voyage around the UK. 

Southampton - 1st Port

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Swansea - 2nd Port

During our journey, we will be stopping in one location of each of the devolved nations. Swansea, on the south coast of Wales is an area that has seen a lot of change since its origins as an industrial seafaring town.


The collapse of coal in south Wales and the reduction in copper exports, particularly from Swansea saw the area fall into rapid decline. From the mid 70s onwards, Swansea saw a range of investment projects introduced, such as the development of a new 385 berth marina opened in 1982. Over the next ten years the Swansea barrage would be completed, transforming Swansea's bay into a fantastic leisure and recreational area. 

Belfast - 3rd Port

Our journey around the UK stops in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Belfast is steeped in maritime history, Famous around the world as the birthplace of RMS Titanic.


Belfast has embarrassed it's Maritime connections with major investments made to restore the Titanic slipways and build a brand new Titanic Belfast visitors experience- named the world's leading tourist attraction in 2016. Harland and Wolff’s two yellow cranes tower over the dock to this day as a lasting legacy of Belfast's rich maritime history and a constant reminder of the city's connection to the sea. 


Edinburgh - 4th port

Our journey continues around the top of Scotland to Edinburgh. Although Edinburgh's history as a seafaring port is limited, Scotland's river Clyde was at one point the biggest ship building centre in the world.


Famous for building the Cutty Sark, HMS Hood (The Royal Navy's Flagship during ww2) and HMY Britannia (The Royal Yacht). The city of Edinburgh is home to many major events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh military tattoo- two of the most incredible events celebrating art, history, culture and tradition. 


Our round the UK expedition will end where it began, on the Isle of White, where we will be welcomed back through the solent by a flotilla of vessels. Return dates will be published in due course and boats of all types and sizes are welcome to join the flotilla.

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