The entry deadline has now passed for those wishing to compete in the Shetland Round Britain & Ireland 2010. Fifty skippers have signed up for what has become known as one of the toughest maritime races – the largest fleet for many years.
The most senior competitor is Nico Budel, of the Netherlands. Nico is sailing a brand new forty footer named sec.HAYAI, the very latest in Class 40 technology.
At the other end of the scale, 17 year old Ned Mumford is the youngest competitor to take part. His extensive sailing background has allowed him special entry into the race. Ned is racing with his father, William, who has taken part in the race several times before.
The race has the support of many sailing greats including: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston; Steve Fosset and Pete Goss MBE. It is a truly global event with competitors taking part this year from Great Britain, France, Netherlands, Norway and Belgium.
Race regulars, Jerry Freeman and Mary Falk will be joining forces to sail together in Mary’s sloop Q11 in a bid to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research. Both Jerry and Mary are no strangers to the Round Britain & Ireland Race having taken part an astounding five times before. Mary, a cancer survivor, has raised £85,000 for the Institute of Cancer Research over the last twenty years.
A number of local sailors are taking part including father and son team David and Sebastian Southwood. David was the race director of OSTAR 2009 and is now looking forward to seeing an oceanic race from a more hands-on basis!
Alex Bennett and Malcolm Dickinson, both from Devon will also be taking part in their boat, Fujifilm, a class forty.
This is the second race to be sponsored by Shetland Islands Council, an ideal sponsor due to its maritime links and history, as well as its 35 marinas. As one of the four compulsory stops, Lerwick will also be providing the sailors with a warm Shetland welcome.
The race will depart from Plymouth on 6th June 2010 and see the competitors sail 2000 nautical miles around the UK coastline. The race has been hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club every four years since 1966.
Douglas Irvine, business development manager for Shetland Islands Council, commented: “We are thrilled that fifty skippers will be competing in this year’s race. This is the maximum number of boats allowed, demonstrating that this one of the most popular races yet. This is certainly testament to the race itself which has been running for more than 40 years.
“Lerwick is our largest and most popular yachting port, surrounded by shops and restaurants. We will ensure every sailor receives a warm welcome as they berth. It is a tough race and I am sure they will welcome the break as they reach the half way point.”
Peter Taylor, race director of Shetland Round Britain & Ireland 2010, added: “We are delighted to welcome back some well known faces but it is also important to remember what this race is really about – the office workers, farmers, doctors, builders and shopkeepers who, once or twice in a lifetime, throw caution to the wind and compete in this race for the thrill that comes with it. With so many lined up for 2010 it is sure to be a race to remember.”