Team Pick & Mix wins the Round the Island Fundraising Challenge 2024, in aid of Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT)

They were joined by Worthing Sailing Club, competing for the third consecutive year, and the Met Police Sailing Club who took the title in 2023.

On Saturday 16 March each team battled it out to be the fastest crew to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight onboard one of TSYT’s iconic 72ft Challenger yachts.

The teams decided to leave Cowes at 0610 and motor sail down the West Solent heading to The Needles, where the wind started to fill in a little, meaning the race began from there at 0855.

Lead Skipper Paul Chedd recalls…

“We beat down to St Catherine’s Point with the wind slowly increasing. CH1 was 1st around followed closely by Ch2 who gained 100m or so by being in the stronger tide. 

From there it was a beam reaching drag race to Bembridge where Ch2 slowly overhauled Ch1 and passed Bembridge ledge about 200m ahead finishing at 1300. Ch1 time was approximately 1304, with CH3 completing approximately 1324.”

TSYT Skipper Ian Rowlands, who helmed the winning team added…

“As Skipper I was so pleased, happy, and proud of our crew. They have come onboard from various walks of life, all with a passion for sailing, proving that great teamwork and resilience creates a fantastic team spirit. This is why I’m so passionate about being involved in sail training. 

“During the presentation ceremony, seeing the smiles of all made my weekend. In my mind I patted myself on the back and said well-done Ian……….job done. 

“Sunday morning all disembarked saying their farewells and safe travels home, all citing looking forward to their next sailing adventure, be it as voyager or even as a TSYT volunteer. I think we can say this weekend’s RTI Fundraiser 2024 has been a successful weekend for TSYT”

Amelia & Tilly, aged 13, crew members of team Pick & Mix said…

“We sailed along for a while with the competition way behind us. It was amazing, we went from last to winning. We went past the finish line at exactly 1300, with an easy win against the others”.

On Saturday evening, the teams came together to enjoy a celebratory dinner and trophy presentation at the prestigious Island Sailing Club in Cowes.

Each of the Skippers nominated a member of their crew for the Spirit Award; celebrating an individual who they felt worked the hardest, or showed particular resilience during the race.

This year’s Spirit Award recipients are; Karen Corley and Sue Lucas from team Pick & Mix, Bob Hewitt from Worthing Sailing Club, and Martin Humphreys from Met Police Sailing Club.

As part of the Round the Island Fundraising Challenge, the teams fundraised a total of £4,756. The money raised will directly support Tall Ships Youth Trust’s (TSYT) vital youth development work; helping to change more young lives at sea.

Race participant, Tim Montagu said…

“The Round the Island race and our mixed team of adults and kids on Challenger 2 was a great way to introduce my daughter Amelia (13) to ocean-going yachts. She has sailed with me all over the Solent but learning from others in a safe yet adventurous way, quickly forming a new team and experiencing life at sea was a big new chapter for her. The crew kept things fun, even arranging a visit by a pod of dolphins off the Needles! I’d recommend TSYT for school outdoor / sports education trips.”

Finally, on behalf of everyone at TSYT, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the three teams, and our fantastic TSYT crew, who made the weekend so enjoyable for all involved.

The Round the Island Fundraising Challenge 2025 takes place on 14 – 16 March 2025, get in touch now to find out more. Email Hannah.langley@tallships.org or call 02392 832 055.