This year we will be racing our yacht Polly's Kettle in the Fastnet Race, an aspiration for most amateur offshore racers.  There are 350 yachts entered, a record since the disaster of 1979, including five Volvo (Whitbread as was)  round the world yachts, and seven Open 60 single-handed round the world yachts - the professionals of offshore racing.

We are raising money for Disability Challengers who provide wonderful facilities and events for disabled children to play in a safe environment, to give their parents a much needed break to be themselves, and to support disabled youths and young adults for whom there is generally little provision for entertainment.  I have seen the fabulous effect this has for my nephew, and encourage you to support this charity

There are 8 of us on board: Tom Davidson, Simon Webb, Seamus Woodward-George,  Matt Burleigh, Will McGough, Robert Page and Conrad Manning.

The race takes us from Cowes to the Fastnet Rock off the southwest of Ireland, back round the Scillies to finish at Plymouth.  We expect to be 5 days, weather permitting.  The race is handicapped, and we are one of the slower boats on the water, so don't be despondent seeing us at the back!.

Thank you!