David, David, Ian, Mike, Jonathon, Keith, Ralph and Tom will be competing in this year's Fastnet Race on board a 35' racing yacht "Offbeat". We are raising funds for "Help for Heroes" to support the many young people in our armed forces returning wounded from the current campaigns abroad. If you are able to, please sponsor us now, we would really appreciate your support. Full details of our campaign can be found at www.j109offbeat.co.uk .
We have now completed our qualification training and race mileage and are ready for the race itself. Starting on Sunday 9th August 2009, the Fastnet is recognised as one of the world's most gruelling yacht races. The course of this challenging event covers over 600 miles of non-stop racing, 24 hours a day over 5 days and nights, in open sea along the English Channel, across the Irish Sea to the Fastnet Rock, then round the Scilly Isles to finish in Plymouth.Sleep is limited and, if the weather is poor, conditions on board can be tough. The 2007 race was struck by very severe weather forcing 220 of the yachts, including Offbeat, one of the smaller boats in the fleet, to retire to the safe haven of various ports in the south-west coast. We will be hoping for better conditions this time.
If you are able to contribute, donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Help for Heroes will receive your money directly and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Many thanks for your support,
David, David, Ian, Jonno, Keith, Mike, Ralph and Tom
A satellite-tracking device will be onboard which should pinpoint our position on a website at all times. We will be attempting some form of blog from the boat. Our website carries links so you will be able to see where we are during the race and find out more about the crew and our campaign so far.
If you are able to contribute, donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Help for Heroes will receive your money directly and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Many thanks for your support,
David, David, Ian, Jonno, Keith, Mike, Ralph and Tom
