Invictus Games Flag Begins 2,000-Nautical-Mile UK Voyage from Cornwall

Wounded veterans and serving personnel have begun a 12-week, 2,000-nautical-mile voyage around the UK carrying the Invictus Games Flag, promoting courage and community ahead of the 2027 Games.

Invictus Games Flag Voyage Commences from Cornwall

Wounded, injured, and sick veterans along with serving personnel have embarked on a journey to carry the Invictus Games Flag around the United Kingdom.

Two traditionally rigged tall ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, departed from Falmouth as part of the 12-week, 2,000-nautical-mile (3,700 km) Full Circle expedition.

Army veteran and skipper of Spirit of Falmouth, Paul Miller, expressed that participating in the expedition filled him with "real pride," emphasizing that carrying the flag around the UK was "deeply meaningful."

Turn to Starboard Paul Miller smiling at the camera. He has a moustache and beard and is stood on a ship. — Paul Miller said the expedition reminded him of how far he had come in his recovery

The voyage is coordinated by the veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and is delivered in partnership with Invictus Games Birmingham, scheduled for 2027.

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, are dedicated to wounded, injured, and sick military service personnel.

Significance of the Voyage

Miller stated:

"It has reminded me how far I've come in my own recovery and how much further we can all go together.

It represents courage, determination and community - values that we must hold on to after military service ends."

He further added that the flag carried the "hopes of so many people rebuilding their lives through courage and community."

"Every mile we sail, and every donation raised, helps build resilience and support the veterans community," Miller added.

The charity noted that the voyage is crewed by a rotating team of 70 veterans and serving personnel and will sail anti-clockwise around the UK.

The vessels are scheduled to visit 22 ports across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland before returning to Falmouth on 11 June.

Throughout the journey, the crew will carry the Invictus Games Flag to "build momentum" towards the one-year-to-go event at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in July.

Turn to Starboard An ariel shot of the Pellew. It is a large ship with two large sails. The base of the boat is white. — The Pellew set sail from Falmouth on Tuesday

Charity Perspectives and Impact

Sally Terry, CEO of Turn to Starboard, said both organisations are committed to supporting veterans through "challenge, camaraderie and community" and share the belief that adventure can be "truly transformative."

"Full Circle is more than a voyage – it's a powerful story of courage, service and renewal," Terry said.

"It shows how adventure can bring people together and help veterans navigate the next chapter of their lives."

To date, seven Invictus Games have been held, bringing together 25 nations and more than 3,000 competitors.

In February 2025, the games took place in Vancouver Whistler, Canada, featuring 534 competitors in the first games to include winter sports.

The organisation emphasises that recovery remains central to the event by providing a structured pathway for participants with physical and non-visible injuries, while also driving wider social change by challenging perceptions of disability and strengthening the connection between the Armed Forces and society.