Forget planes, trains and automobiles.
Fifteen year old Robbie did it his way, by running, sailing and cycling.
Determined to raise money for the RNLI’s lifeboat, Robbie Southwell today first ran from Cowes to Yarmouth. Then into his Laser dinghy to take on an 18 mile stretch of the Solent to Bembridge. Finally it was back to Cowes by bike.
The Three Stations Challenge
The whole venture was called The Three Stations Challenge, to reflect the fact that it took in all three Isle of Wight lifeboat stations. And when Robbie, still looking remarkably fresh, arrived back at Cowes lifeboat station he received warm praise from his father, Mark Southwell, the station’s Lifeboat Operations Manager. .
“It was brilliant,” he said. “And it was entirely his idea, with no pressure from me or anyone else.”
He also paid tribute to all those who supported Robbie’s unusual triathlon, especially the international sailing charter and events company OnDeck. Other sponsorship came from individuals including members of Gurnard Sailing Club where Robbie is one of their top young sailors.
Robbie initially expected to raise £1,000 from his exertions; the final total is likely to be just over £1,400.
Not alone
Running with him to Yarmouth was veteran road-runner Ian Jolliffe, from Gurnard. Robbie’s Laser was accompanied through the Solent by an OnDeck RIB, helmed by Mark Casson and with Cowes lifeboat member Steve Price as crew.
The presence of this safety boat proved fortuitous for two young boys off Seaview. Seeing that they were having difficulty righting their capsized sailing dinghy, Mark and Steve briefly stopped to give them the right advice.
Joining Robbie on another bike for the ride back to Cowes was another Cowes lifeboat member, Steve Dines. Robbie was also grateful for the practical support given by his parents, providing transport across the Island for his boat and bike.
Robbie took 2 hours 11 minutes to run to Yarmouth, 2 hours 55 minutes to sail to Bembridge, and 1 hour 5 minutes to cycle to Cowes. And much of the triathlon took place in a fine drizzle.
