This year’s Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race is going to be a real family affair as four father and son teams have signed up to take part in the epic adventure which happens every 4 years.
The number of entrants for this year’s race is the biggest for over twenty years with a line-up of 57 boats including six multihulls. The entry list will be closed at 60 or the boats will not fit into some of the harbours which are a feature of this classic event. The race starts in just over three months on June 6th from Plymouth Sound
There are prizes for all classes as well as a special one, the Hasler Trophy, for the first family crew to reach Plymouth on corrected time. The father and son teams are:
William and Ned Mumford who will be sailing Flair 11, an MG 335. William is a regular contender in the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland, having taken part three times. He is the MD of Plymouth motor dealership Mumfords. Ned is a student who has been watching his father sail away since he was very small.
Civil airline pilots, mountaineers and sport sailors, Tony and Sam White will be sailing Comedy of Errors, a HOD 35.
Summerbird, a Warrior 40, will be sailed by David and Sebastian Southwood. David is a retired City Chairman and Race Director of OSTAR 2009 and his son Sebastian a deep sea diver turned construction manager.
Suroma, a Starlight 35, will be sailed by Bill and Robin Graham. Bill is a retired jumbo jet captain, and Robin a man of many talents: pharmacologist, lawyer, and now a civil airline pilot.
“The Hasler Trophy will provide an interesting race within a race,” said Peter Taylor, race director of Shetland Round Britain and Ireland 2010. “It will see these four father and son teams racing against each other and of course only one boat can win. Already, excitement is mounting in many boatyards all over the UK as keen two-handers prepare their boats. A few have already launched and two have completed their qualifying cruises since Christmas.”
Douglas Irvine, business development manager for Shetland Islands Council, commented: “We are thrilled that there are four father and son teams taking part in this year’s race. With their own trophy to race for we should be guaranteed an exhilarating event all round. “
“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.”