The Army Individual Training Command had planned to take a leg of the JSASTC organised Ex Highland Express in July this year. Every year JSASTC forward base 2 yachts in Oban and make them available to SP for a week at a time.  However, the yacht AITC were due to sail was damaged and thus unavailable. At just 3 weeks notice, the ever-flexible expedition leader quickly adjusted plans, booked St Barbara V, re-wrote the administration instruction, found an additional crew member, and impressively launched the expedition. 

On Monday 21 July, the mixed crew of 3 women and 4 men, ranging from Cpl to Major, and from complete novice to seasoned Day Skipper, were skippered out of Gosport by Col Neil Wilson. It might not have been the Western Isles but exiting the Solent through the Needles Channel in a rising westerly F6 provided plenty of excitement and challenge for everyone. A peaceful anchorage in the lee of Old Harry rocks just off Studland beach for the night was a welcome contrast.  The following day’s passage to Weymouth also provided good entertainment and lots of learning opportunities, as well as a fish and chip supper. 

An early rise to catch the tide the day after, allowed the crew to experience a memorable sunrise over the Jurassic Coast as they made their return passage into the Solent. The crew enjoyed the charm of Yarmouth for the evening before a windless motor back to Gosport, via a swim in Osborne Bay which rounded off a fabulous week of Leadership and Resilience training. The whole crew returned to their day jobs, a little more experienced and much refreshed.