Thank you Round the Island Race!

Trust Founder and Patron, Ellen MacArthur, raced alongside young people as an incredible £5,520 was raised during this year’s Round the Island Race on Saturday 25 June.

The Trust has been the official charity of the world-famous race for 17 years, raising over £313,790 since 2005 through race entries.

The generosity of the Island Sailing Club and their wonderful sponsors as well fundraising activities carried on over the weekend.

It really is a #RaceForAll and a wonderful experience for those that take part in this thrilling day on the water. This year the Trust entered 5 boats, giving young people the exciting chance to take part in one of the largest races in the world, which attracts competitors of all levels.

13 young people living through and beyond cancer set sail

John Johnathan entered the race for the first time this summer and admitted, "My confidence has sky-rocketed” after sailing onboard the Trust’s people’s Postcode Lottery-funded boat, Solent Hero, with our founder and patron Dame Ellen.

He said: “It’s awesome to be back. This is my first ever race. It was challenging as the sea was choppy, so it was amazing to have Ellen MacArthur onboard. Watching her fly around the boat was incredible and witnessing her doing it right in front of your very eyes is just mind blowing.

“It’s been a blast just cruising and meeting new people. We all help each other. Teamwork makes the dream work, and we all have a feeling of accomplishment. We took on the challenge and did the race together so we’re all winners at the end of the day.”

#AllOnBoard

Ellen loved being part of the crew this year. She said: "Every time I sail with the young people I am inspired by their positivity, desire to push themselves and their infectious sense of fun and adventure.

“The Round the Island Race is such an amazing event to be involved in, and for the young people to be at the centre of the action, enjoying the sights, the spectacle, and the racing, is an experience to remember.”

Thank you!

A big shout out to all those that entered this year and supported the Trust, especially our long-term supporters, J.P. Morgan, who donated the proceeds of their pre-race dinner auction and raffle.

Lots and prizes were donated including an Arctic Edition Large Diver's Automatic (GSAR) watch by Marathon Watch, a goodie bag from Musto, a coffee and tea hamper donated by pioneering tea and coffee merchants, H.R Higgins and festival tickets to CarFest South and Camp Bestival Dorset.