Thanks to Debbie for this update on the seven young sailors we mentioned last week. Ed
Seven young Isle of Wight sailors were tested by strong winds, hail and rain on Sunday as they crossed the Solent in their small racing dinghies for Sport Relief.
The cadets from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club raised £1,700, more than double their target in sponsorship. Their challenge was to sail Optimist class boats from the Fishbourne based club to Stokes Bay, south of Gosport, then home again.
The cadets aged between 9 and 14 waited for four hours for a break in the weather, finally getting underway at 4pm, the last daylight opportunity.
Cameron Hook, Felix Arthur, Daniel Wentzel, Matthew Bamber, Charlie, Tom and Harry White crossed the major shipping lanes in winds gusting over 20 mph.
The conditions made for a tough but fast crossing for the small craft with the jubilant team arriving back to the Island by sunset.
Image: © Chris Bamber
