Welcome to GXSA
GXSA has an outstanding Programme of Wednesday evening talks in the winter months, October to March.
Talks start at 8.15pm, bar and coffee open from 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome, only £5.
Next talk
Wednesday 21st November
Shaun Pascoe
Turn to Starboard
Turn to Starboard was founded by RAF Squadron Leader (Rtd) Shaun Pascoe. The idea of using sail training to help Forces personnel overcome the challenges of transition to civilian life was inspired by Shaun’s own personal experience. Shaun served on numerous tours during his sixteen years in the RAF, including Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq and repeatedly to Afghanistan as Officer Commanding of the Medical Emergency Response Team. The nature of his operational work meant the transition on coming home became an increasing challenge. After his second tour of Afghanistan Shaun raised money from various charitable sources and purchased windsurfing equipment and a rescue boat. As a windsurfing instructor Shaun taught those returning from operations with an emphasis on meeting others in similar positions.
Approaching his last year in service, Shaun obtained his Yachtmaster Offshore and used this qualification to begin providing sailing opportunities for others. In order to ensure the governance of what he was doing, Shaun registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in July 2012 and Turn to Starboard was born. This is a rewarding and uplifting story of how adversity can be turned into a very positive contribution to society.