This will be my 5th Fastnet and rather than just going ahead as normal, I have decided to use this as a good opportunity to raise money for the Lifeboat Fund (to support the RNLI). After all, as offshore sailors it is comforting to know that we can call on their support at any time if we run into trouble.

This yacht race which starts on the 14 August from Cowes (UK) is one of the world's most challenging offshore races and I cannot think of a more fitting cause to benefit from this fund raising effort.

I will be racing on a yacht called Tarka II which is a First 40 design with ten crew onboard.

So please dig deep and donate now. The link below gives access to a tracking site for the Fastnet 2011 so that you can follow how Tarka II and I get on when the race starts on the 14 August!

For more information about the Fastnet Race and tracking visit http://fastnet.rorc.org/

For photos of Tarka II visit  http://www.tarka2.co.uk/gallery.htm

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Lifeboats Fund (and for UK tax payers, make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation). So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the Lifeboats.

Thanks for your support.

Bob