This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2014at 11:03 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Andy And Jon’s Challenge In Aid Of Sail4Cancer And Good Friend Phil!

After his friend Phil Corbett was diagnosed with cancer, Andy Wibroe decided to do something different to show his support and raise money for the brilliant charity Sail4Cancer – he set his sights on a personal challenge that would mean something to him and his friends.

Having worked at Active Nation’s Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC) as an instructor and living 10 doors up the road from the venue’s programme and campaign manager Jon Kirby – he knew just where to go.

Jon said: “Andy asked if I and Active Nation would be interested in supporting a sail around the Isle of Wight to raise money for Sail4Cancer, a charity that provides sail respite days and holidays to families affected by cancer. Seeing what it meant to Andy I was instantly on board, and after a phone call to David Drew (outdoor facilities manager) we had a boat to sail and a support RIB too, the challenge was on!”

What followed was a 13-and-a-half hour endurance sail around the Isle of Wight, from Southampton and back, in a two man Dinghy!

Jon added: “Sailing at sea or ‘off shore’ is always a challenge as conditions can deteriorate rapidly. You’re far from help and face not only the physical elements of sailing but the mental endurance also.

“While passages such as this in dinghies are not unheard of, most sailors choose yachts, or at least faster high performance boats capable of speeds of up to 20knots. However, Andy and I set our sights on a somewhat slower vessel, the staple training dinghy of choice for many training centres around the world, the Wayfarer.”

Last week, the duo were supported by Jake Biggs – another of Phil’s friends and former SWAC instructor – and Sonnie Emeney – a dinghy instructor who trained at SWAC. Jake and Sonnie were in the support RIB and with Andy and Jon armed with paddles the team set sail from SWAC at 0615 heading for The Needles in next to no wind at all.

Jon added: “Three hours later, after 4 miles of drifting on the outgoing tide the wind filled in near Calshot Spit and we started the sailing part of our challenge.

“After another hour of sailing the devastating realisation that we had missed the tide struck home.

“The flood tide had started and was reducing our boat speed to a depressing 2 knots, at that speed we were set to reach The Needles around 5pm, not acceptable. If we didn’t round the needles before midday we’d miss the tide around the back of the island, game over.

“After rechecking our calculations, running though the various options with Jake in the support RIB and our shore-based contact Justine Bennett (Andy’s fiancée and another ex-SWAC instructor) we decided to take up a tow from Jake and make up the time.”

A little over an hour later the team were rounding The Needles – a spectacular row of three distinctive chalk rock formations that rise out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight – and hoisting the spinnaker for a 30 mile offshore run around the back of the island.

Jon said: “With the tide behind us we were back on track averaging 6-8 knots, tucking into lunch and feeling a lot happier.

“Just before Ryde it was time to drop the spinnaker and start the long upwind sail home, two hours, 15 nautical miles and two beers later we were back at SWAC wet, tired and extremely pleased with our 67 mile adventure.

“Both Andy and myself would like to thank everyone involved, especially Jake, Sonnie and Justine for giving up their time; and Active Nation for providing the kit as without them it would not have been possible.

“Lastly we encourage all of you to sponsor us and donate what you can to Sail4Cancer, your support helps give families an escape from the disease and nightmare it brings and an opportunity to build positive memories.”

Well done guys! If you would like to show your support please visit: http://www.sail4cancer.org/andy-wibroe-sail-4-phil