Harvey’s career as a Royal Marines Officer was cut short due to an injury in training, which led to him being medically discharged. After losing his dream career, Harvey also found he was missing the direction and camaraderie the Corps provided. With the support of his family and the assistance of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, he was enrolled in the Veterans Course with CatZero.
CatZero is dedicated to supporting people of all ages through confidence-building activities and tailored plans onboard the 72-foot Challenge yacht. The course is designed to empower the participants to make positive changes in their lives. RMA – The Royal Marines Charity works closely with CatZero to offer beneficiaries access to the veteran’s program, a course made up of four residentials designed to support veterans by increasing self-belief, confidence, and motivation while encouraging them to get to know each other and make new friends.
Despite missing the first land-based residential due to work commitments, Harvey dove into the course and kept in regular communications with the teams to help familiarise himself with the project before joining the 10-day sailing voyage in Hull and the round trip to the Orkney Isles. Harvey said, “This experience proved to me that I am good enough; it was like YO training in the sense that I was being pushed to my edges in an environment that I am not familiar with. Something I have missed in civilian life.” He enjoyed being onboard with the other veterans, hearing stories, having shared experiences, and being part of a community, and felt it was “a humbling experience.” Harvey stated that learning how to sail was a “magical experience,” and he went on to say, “That being at the helm was a very meditative practice for me, as your oppos are asleep, you are maintaining course, and you are keeping the boat steady. This is a responsibility I had been looking for and has built up my confidence to take on bigger challenges in my life.” Harvey said that the trip “gave me the confidence to step into authentic maturity, own my story, and make a genuine change. You cannot run away from the boat when you are out at sea; it’s time to face your fears, overcome them, and leave them in the North Sea.” Harvey said that “taking part in the day sail was truly remarkable and has made a lasting impact.”
While away with CatZero, Harvey earned his RYA Competent Crew qualification, which will enable him to sail on other yachts should he wish to, and is glad for the opportunity to participate in such a positive experience.