Entries open for Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit

St Luke's Hospice Plymouth is searching for keen sailors to go the distance to help local people by taking part in an epic charity pursuit on Plymouth Sound on June 18.

The Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit, hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club, is now open for early registration before May 31.

The 26-mile offshore challenge is perfect for anyone enthusiastic about sailing and welcomes yachts large or small, racing or cruising, old or new as long as they meet the Eddystone criteria and are equipped to sail the course from Plymouth Sound to the Deep Hand Buoys and back.

The charity's community fundraiser, Rebecca Bristow, said: "Each yacht needs to gain sponsorship to take part so please get in touch if you want to sail for St Luke's.

"We know there are some fantastic sailors out there in our community and we would be delighted if they could give some of their time to help us raise the over £4 million a year need to be there for the most unwell people in our area."

Participants pay an entrance fee of £21 per boat and raise at least £50 in sponsorship provided registration is received before the May 31 deadline. After this date sailors may enrol but the fees are higher. The prize fund on the day is £18,000 which is split between category winners and goes directly to the nominated charities.

If you have a boat and want to do something for St Luke’s, or don’t have a boat but would like to take part, then please contact Rebecca on 01752 246597.

The Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit is currently sponsored entirely by a private charitable trust and was first sailed in 2002. It is currently the third largest fund raising event in the South-west, having to date raised over half a million pounds.