The first Roy Castle Charity Sail, sponsored by Harbour
World (www.harbourworld.com), got off the an early start of
4am! and was certainly eventful as the day went on, with
gusts up to 38-40knots & very choppy seas in the Solent.
The event hosted many first timers, so they were either going to "love it or hate it"- I think it was the latter!
 
Four boats retired from racing, one of which (I have
been informed) went to assist a dinghy sailor in distress.

After the hard days sail, each crew member relaxed with
a well deserved beer (or two) on their boat or went round
to speak to other crews about the days events.
Some mixed emotions, but overall very good.

Then, onto the Caribbean party hosted by Boomerang
of Hamble. Delicious Caribbean style buffet and bbq was
served to everyones delight. During the feast, speeches were made by John Bird (the event organiser) and Rosemary
Gillespie from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation,
who made her journey down from Liverpool to attend this
unique event for the foundation.
Simon Gillespie (Rosemarys husband) then took the helm
for the auction, for which he did a grand job of raising £610 
for two prizes.
After the prize giving, Ist & 2nd place trophies were awarded
along with the wooden spoon for coming last and the
'Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation Trophy', which will be
an annual award for the 'first placed boat' every year.

The party then got into full swing until 1am, attended by approximately 200 people. Locals and sailors alike were
eventually allowed into the venue, but only after a donation
was given to the Charity.

Sunday hosted a small fun race, with a later start of 11.30, around two bouys in the Solent, taking approximately
1 1/2hrs. Slightly less and tolerable wind, which was 
required after Saturdays main race. 

Racing results and auction prize winners are now displayed
on the website.

2010 will probably host between 3-5 races over two days
incorporating some short and longer races around the
Solent. (TBC)

I would like to thank everyone who got involved with the
Charity Sail, without them, the event would never have
happened, so thank you all. John Bird, Event Director.

So, here's to next year.......