Round the Island in a Laser for the Ocean Youth Trust South

Joe Macgregor training for his Round the Island in a Laser in aid of OYT South © John Laing

In July I am planning to sail around the Isle of Wight in a Laser Radial dinghy to raise funds for the Ocean Youth Trust South.

Ocean Youth Trust South offers personal development through Adventure Under Sail to people aged 12-25 aboard their purpose built 72ft ketch. Two thirds of the young people are disadvantaged or vulnerable in some way. A voyage with Ocean Youth Trust South is not just about learning to sail but about developing qualities which matter in everyday life. For more information go to www.oytsouth.org

Joe Macgregor is a 26 year old Naval Architect who has been a volunteer with the Ocean Youth Trust South since 2014. Joe is an Offshore Yachtmaster and Dinghy Sailing Instructor with 10 years experience in the Laser class. This sponsored sail will be the longest and most complicated sail of Joe's Dinghy career and he hopes that it will raise both awareness for the charity's good work and funds for their upcoming projects.

Departing from and returning to Hamble River Sailing Club, the 60 mile anticlockwise circumnavigation will begin with the choppy & congested waters of the Western Solent, past the notorious Needles, then along the exposed south coast of the Island and waters of the English Channel, through the strong tidal streams at St. Catherine's Point before returning back through the Eastern Solent.

Challenge date: 16th July (weather permitting)

Be sure to keep an eye out around the Solent for Joe on training sails aboard his Laser, sail number 174103.

Please donate at www.justgiving.com/RTI4OYTSOUTH and follow all the action at www.facebook.com/RTI4OYTSOUTH

Thank you to Southampton Water Activities Centre and Elvstrom Sails for their support.