2007: Barbara Lang

Barbara Lang was nominated by her group Totton NWR. At the age of 59 she left her family for 26 days to take a Trans Atlantic Voyage on the tall ship 11Stavros S.NiarchosIl. She flew to Bridgetown Barbados to sail to the Azores, across the edge of the Bermuda Triangle.

She sailed with complete strangers, and with them helped man the boat on this deep water challenge. There were three watches and each watch should have had16 people, but on that occasion there were only 10, which made it more strenuous. Her activities on board included climbing the tall mast of 160ft., taking the helm, and changing the sails while knowing there was 8,00Oft. of ocean beneath the boat. She also did her part in boat maintenance; serving and getting things from the stores; washing and cleaning the decks etc. (known as 'happy hour').

This Trans-Atlantic challenge is known as the ultimate Tall Ship Adventure, and a once in a lifetime experience. However for Barbara that was not the case, for she went again, the next year as a First Aid Purser (a volunteer crewmember). Unfortunately due to this she was unable to attend the actual award but arrangements were made for her to be presented with the Quaich and Book token on her return