Record Breakers!

29th May 2009

When sensible folk were fast asleep on Saturday 16 May, eleven teams set out from the Hamble to compete in the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation "Isle of Wight Sailing Challenge". Despite the early start of 4.30am and the strong winds with gusts up to 40 knots, most teams completed the course to tell tales of a very salty nature.

The winners, with an overall time of 5 hours and 52 minutes, were the crew of Crème de la Crème, skippered by Richard Clarke of Matthews & Goodman. Also on board were Mike Bird of Land Securities, Peter Smith of City Financial, and Richard Mace of Majedie, as well as Richard's colleague in the City Agency Team of Matthews & Goodman, Peter Thomas.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the world wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer, the biggest cancer killer. The event raised money through entry costs, sponsorships and a charity auction held at the Saturday night Caribbean-themed party.  Rosemary Gillespie, Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation said "We were absolutely delighted with the support of the sailors through the Isle of White Sailing Challenge and the Caribbean Night, and the money they raised for our charity. Despite the weather it was a great event. Many thanks to John Bird and the sponsors for all they did to make it such a success".