A Falmouth-based sailing charity will transport and accommodate Help for Heroes’ recently formed gig rowing team, pictured, to this month’s World Pilot Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly aboard its 92ft gaff rigged schooner.

Turn to Starboard, which offers sailing courses to wounded forces personnel, has set about making sure the team from Help for Heroes Plymouth Recovery Centre understand how the boat, somewhat larger than the gig they will be racing, operates.

The crew joined staff and volunteers aboard the vessel, the Spirit of Falmouth, last week to sail from Falmouth to Fowey, stopping overnight in Fowey harbour before returning to Falmouth the next day.

During the two days the crew of six and two reserves, alongside Help for Heroes’ sports recovery team, were shown the ropes, getting involved in putting up the sails when the wind allowed and taking turns at the wheel.