YACHTS will sail around the Isle of Wight this weekend to raise much-needed funds for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Sail the Wight, taking place on Saturday, will form part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Regatta and is being organised by East Cowes Sailing Club and Westerly Owners’ Association.
This year’s Sail the Wight consists of racing and cruising around the Island, with a smaller inshore course formed in the shape of the Island within the Solent for smaller boats and those that do not want to take part in the circumnavigation.
The start and finish will be at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
The Sailing is followed by many shore side events as part of the jubilee celebrations.
On Sunday there is a fundraising al-fresco Sail the Wight barbecue party at East Cowes Sailing Club with a live band, disco and raffle with prizes donated by many marine and local businesses.
Sail the Wight, which started in 2005 by an East Cowes Sailing Club member who wanted to raise money as thank you for the care given to a relative, has grown steadily and to date has raised in excess of £25,000 for the Island charity.
East Cowes Sailing Club is celebrating its centenary year and would like to make this year’s event even better.
For more information, entry details and sponsorship form visit the Sail the Wight website at www.sailthewight.org.uk or email sailing@eastcowessc.co.uk
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk