Exercise TRANSGLOBE will be a major Tri-Service Adventurous Sail Training Exercise open to all UK service personnel, Regular and Reserve, from June 2009 to July 2010. The purpose of this information note is to provide advance notice of the ex with the aim of encouraging personnel to apply using the DIN available on the Defence Intranet.
The aim of the ex is to develop the personal qualities essential to Regular and Reserve members of HM Forces through adventurous sail training in a Service environment. It will build upon successful expeditions such as Ex MERCURY CHALLENGE.
OVERVIEW
The Joint Service Adventure Sail Training Centre (JSASTC) will deploy three Challenge 67 Sail Training Vessel (STV) from Gosport on a year long circumnavigation of the globe, planned to include participation in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race in December 2009 and the Antigua Race week in May 2010. All circumnavigation legs will be conducted as AT exs and will be either cruises in company or races in the spirit of Corinthian competition with the emphasis on safety, seamanship and teamwork.
The Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will each have one STV and provide the crew for each leg. Whilst the actual route is being planned, an outline itinerary is set out in below.
Ships, RN Establishments, Units, Waterfronts, Arms, Regts, Service Directors and RAF Groups and Stations will be encouraged to bid to provide the crews for their respective Service’s STV for particular non-race legs but bids from individuals will be accepted to ensure all crew places are filled.
Race leg crews (Fastnet, Sydney-Hobart and Antigua Race Week) will be selected by the individual Service Sailing Associations.
JSASTC will provide the STV, technical support and crew training during Ex TRANSGLOBE. Ideally for each leg the Skipper, Mate and Watch Leader crew positions on each STV will by filled by serving members of the relevant Service, provided that sufficient appropriately trained and experienced personnel volunteer and qualify in time – JSASTC will provide staff Skippers to fulfil up to 50% of the requirement if necessary. Personnel wishing to be considered for Skipper and Afterguard positions should follow the instructions contained within 2007DIN 06-090 available on the Defence Intranet sending their applications to the TRANSGLOBE – Army point of contact listed below rather than the Rear Commodore (Offshore) of the Army Sailing Association as advertised in the DIN.
ELIGIBILITY
General. This ex is open to serving Regular and Reserve, including university cadet, members of the three Services. In addition to qualified and experienced sailors, applications are encouraged from complete novices. Cadets may apply subject to Selection and sponsorship by the respective parenting Service authority and being at least 18 years of age prior to commencement of their allocated Leg.
Suitability. Ocean sailing is often both physically and mentally demanding. Volunteers should therefore:
- Have a spirit of adventure;
- Be willing to live in harmony with others in confined, uncomfortable and sometimes wet and arduous conditions;
- Be in-date for the appropriate Service fitness test;
- Be medically fit for active service overseas;
- Possess an up to date passport that will remain in-date until six months after their exercise leg ends.
Pregnant Servicewomen are not eligible to participate in adventurous training.
Potential Skippers and Afterguard. OIC JSASTC will set the minimum qualification and experience levels for personnel to be considered for each of the Skipper, Mate and Watch Leader positions. To enable their training needs to be identified, people applying to fill Skipper and Afterguard positions must provide full details of their training, qualifications and experience, using the form contained within 2007DIN 06-090 available on the Defence Intranet.
CREW SELECTION
The Royal Navy Sailing Association (RNSA), Army Sailing Association (ASA) and Royal Air Force Sailing Association (RAFSA) will take the lead in identifying and supporting the development of potential Skippers and Afterguard for Ex TRANSGLOBE for their respective Services. The OIC and Training Officer of JSASTC will scrutinize the Services’ SA nominations against the JSASTC minimum entry standard criteria and will select only those personnel considered suitable to complete the relevant training and development process to qualify as Challenge 67 Skippers and Afterguard.
Personnel interested in qualifying for these key crew positions should complete the application contained within 2007DIN 06-090 available on the Defence Intranet and forward it with photocopies of their current highest RYA/MCA qualification and personal log book cruising and racing entries to the TRANSGLOBE - Army POC below. |