“A tale of leadership, camaraderie, courage and humility on the high seas” (as seen on Channel 4)
230 years ago, British Navy ship HMS Bounty was sailing from Tahiti to the West Indies. During its seventeen month voyage, a poisonous rift developed between its crew and its young captain, William Bligh. In the middle of the South Pacific, rebellion broke out.
“I am now to relate one of the worst acts of piracy ever committed – at dawn of day, several men came into my cabin and while I was asleep, seized and tied my hands behind my back and took the Bounty from me.”
It would go down in history as the Mutiny on the Bounty. Captain Bligh and a handful of loyal men were forced into a tiny open boat and left to die. Instead they managed to navigate four thousand miles to safety, through some of the world’s most remote and unforgiving seas. It remains one of the greatest survival feats in British history.
Setting out to recreate the voyage, a crew of nine men made the journey in a replica 23ft wooden boat - The Bounty’s End. This very same boat will be making an appearance at this year’s festival and can be found at the Survival Wisdom camp.
British yachtsman, Conrad Humphreys who has circumnavigated the world three times, including the notorious Vendée Globe in 2004-5, was selected as the professional skipper of Bounty’s End and prepare the boat and crew for the sixty day voyage. A veteran of the Southern Ocean, Conrad found himself facing his greatest challenge yet – a never-ending struggle on the high seas where extreme hunger, fatigue, illness, conflict and stormy seas threatened to engulf their tiny boat and end their hopes of reaching Timor safely, over 4000 miles away.
Conrad will deliver personal reflection of his unique role, and the achievement felt by him and other crew members. He will also talk about his charity “The Island Trust”
The Island Trust provides life-enhancing, residential and day-sailing activities for young people with special needs, disabilities, and those experiencing hardship and deprivation. We award disadvantaged young people the opportunity to develop their skills and capabilities through the challenge of learning to sail. Beneficiaries are aged primarily from 14 – 18 but on occasion, may be as young as 10 and can be up to the age of 25. Our bursaries are wholly based on need and can be up to 100% of costs.