8 children aged between 11 and 17 took to the water in an epic challenge to sail 3 RS Quest Dinghies around the Isle of Wight last Sunday (3rd September).
2 of the dinghies were occupied by 3 children with the other containing 2 kids and 1 amazing instructor acting as an experienced pair of hands on the water with them.
They were also supported by 2 safety ribs and a nanny yacht for comfort breaks and should anyone get too cold or seasick.
The challenge came about after brothers George and Max Newman, aged 11 and 14, wanted to take part in the official around the Island race but were told that the helm had to be over 18. They therefore decided to arrange 1 of their own so the challenge was born and the support has been brilliant.
Last Sunday was their 3rd attempt, as the 2 previous dates were cancelled due to bad weather. This time, however, the weather gods were being kind and it could finally go ahead on what was the last possible date of the year.
The dinghies left Yarmouth harbour at 05:00 when it was still dark but it was a beautiful morning with a light breeze. Getting to the Needles was fairly easy and had been practiced twice before so the children knew what to expect.
It took them 14 hours and 49 minutes of sailing but they were all magnificent, excited, determined and driven to get around to complete the challenge and raise as much money as possible for the club’s charity this year and all the way round they had huge smiles.
So far the challenge has raised £2,600 and funds are still coming in.
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