3 ROYAL WELSH deployed on LION STAR to Cyprus in May 2013 for the second time in 10 months. Being active with regards to adv trg, the unit again decided to conduct a varied and comprehensive package at the end of a gruelling tactical package. Building on the success of 2012, offshore sailing was again offered in the form of Ex Andreas Dragon, 5-days of offshore sailing on a chartered Jeanneau 40.3 named True North.

Conditions for sailing were excellent with fresh winds picking up in the afternoons and lasting into the evenings. Whilst the Skipper and Mate remained with True North throughout, 5 crew members were rotated at midday daily in order to maximise the number of soldiers exposed to the activity. Thus the novice crews benefited from good winds from when they boarded until the end of their night sail 12 hours later. Nearly all of those who had the opportunity to crew were complete novices to offshore sailing.

Passages were made around and between Akrotiri and Episkopi Bays and up to 20nm from shore; man overboard drills this far from shore must have been sobering for the newbies. At other periods, the boat anchored up in calm waters allowing the crew to swim, snorkel and relax.

All who took part in the sailing wholly enjoyed the experience and opportunity to try a new sport. Plans are now to turn these fledgling sailors into Competent Crew through attendance on courses at Gosport. Thereafter, 3 Royal Welsh plan mounting a unit sailing and rock climbing expedition to The Lofoten Islands, Norway in 2014. The thanks of the unit and all who took part go to The Ulysses Trust for their ever generous and continuing support to 3 Royal Welsh AT activities.