Enter Eddystone Charity Pursuit to raise money for charity

West Country sailors urged to support retired seafarers by taking part in the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is calling on all sailors in the West Country to support its work on behalf of ex-merchant seafarers, fishermen and their dependants who are facing hardship and distress, by taking part in the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit.

Open to leisure yachtsmen in the South West, the 26 mile sailing marathon taking place on 16th July around the Hand Deeps Buoy, west of Eddystone, near Plymouth gives participants the chance to test their sailing skills whilst raising money for a worthy cause such as the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, which offers financial support to retired and incapacitated seafarers, wants to encourage sailors in the West Country to use the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit as an opportunity to raise money for the charity.

Chief Executive of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, Commodore Malcolm Williams CBE RN, said:
“Our work involves supporting retired and incapacitated seafarers who have devoted their lives to the sea. Unfortunately they often retire on meagre incomes and rely on financial help from us to make their later years just a little more comfortable. An event such as the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit is a chance for sailors to give something back to others from within the seafaring community by encouraging friends and family to sponsor their participation.”

In the last 12 months the Society helped seafarers in 2,750 cases of need, distributed grants totalling over £1.6 million and helped beneficiaries access £31,000 in Government benefits. The organisation received 744 new applications for assistance last year – the highest since 2005 - showing that help for this vulnerable community is much in demand, particularly in the current harsh economic environment.

Now in its 10th Year, the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit refers to itself as a ‘chase’ rather than a race, with yachts starting at intervals based broadly on their Portsmouth Yardstick.

More than £170,000 has been raised for numerous charities through the event, which is supervised by Plymouth’s historic Royal Western Yacht Club and organised by Eddystone Charitable Trust.

Entrants must raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship to take part. The event takes place on 16 July so those wishing to take part should get their applications in soon.

For further details about the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit visit www.eddystonepursuit.org or for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk