PERSONNEL from all three branches of the services are planning the ultimate windsurfing test in British waters — to sail around the Isle of Wight — and it’s all thanks to inspiration from a wounded soldier.
The aim is to raise thousands of pounds for the three main service charities and Help for Heroes.
Rifleman Craig Wood, 19, from Doncaster, was serving with 2nd Battalion The Rifles in July, 2009, when he received injuries from an improvised explosive device. Craig lost both legs and his left hand in the explosion. He is based at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, Surrey.
A keen windsurfer before the incident, Craig’s ambition is one day to take up the sport again.
While the circumference of the Isle of Wight is approximately 56 miles, the trip will be nearer 100 with wind and direction changes. The tri-service team will take on the challenge in relays but some of the windsurfers will try to take on the voyage as an individual challenge. They reckon the circumnavigation will take ten hours and will be the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons.
"It will take a huge amount of mental and physical determination," said Lieut Philip Bent, RN who serves as a weapons engineer. "I have raced around the Island six times on yachts, so for me windsurfing around is the next logical step. It is a big challenge and will push us to the limit."
Depending on wind and tides, they hope to undertake the challenge during the periods September 13 to 19, or October 11 to 19. The challenge requires help — commercial sponsorship, support RIBs, motor cruisers/yachts, accommodation on the Isle of Wight, vehicles etc.
For information, see www.forceswindsurfing.org.uk. An online fund-raising page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/windsurfisleofwight.
Reporter: suep@iwcpmail.co.uk