Glyn Charles Memorial

Great prizes on offer for 11 June event out of Hayling Island SC

The Glyn Charles Memorial Pursuit Race takes place on Saturday 11 June, at Hayling Island Sailing Club. First start is at 2.00pm.

The race has become an annual spectacle, with fleets averaging 100 boats, in the stunning setting of Chichester Harbour - Glyn’s home waters. Glyn was tragically lost during the 1998 Sydney Hobart ,aged 33. The memorial race is organised by a group of Glyn’s close friends, to raise money for the John Merrick’s Sailing Trust which helps provide sailing opportunities for young people. Glyn and John were good friends on and off the water.

This year, half the race proceeds will be donated to Hilary Lister’s solo-sailing Channel Challenge record attempt. Hilary plans to become the first quadriplegic to achieve this crossing. Her voyage is raising funds for Westbere Sailing Organisation, which provides sailing opportunities for over 800 disabled and disadvantaged sailors. Discovering sailing has transformed Hilary’s life and she wants others in similar positions to have the same opportunity.

Glyn was the UK Star representative at the 1996 Olympics, a former Laser champion, skippered the United Airlines Ultra 30 and had many offshore credits, including winning the Admirals Cup. Glyn was one of sailing’s characters, a great supporter of other people’s sailing projects and youth sailing.

The annual Pursuit Race attracts entries from across the UK, who turn out for a great days sailing to remember Glyn, in crafts ranging from the 9 foot Fairey Duckling’s to the 30 foot Ultras. The race is open to all dinghies and keelboats including Flying 15, RS K6, RS Elite, Laser SB3, X boat, Swallow, Sunbeam, Hawk, Star. The Ultras now have to stay ashore due to exceeding the harbour speed limit!

The race provides it’s normal fantastic array of prizes – awarded across the fleet. Top prizes include winning :
- a day sailing on board the Open 60 Hellomoto with Vendee Globe sailor Conrad Humphreys
- a pair of Scott skis
- Gill vouchers worth £100
- Jeroboam of Mumm Champagne!

Other great prizes from sponsors include TheDailySail.com, TackTick, Volvo Cars, Kangol, LDC, Seahorse, Rick Tomlinson, APP, Musto, Volvo Ocean Race, Holt, Henri Lloyd, Debra Veal, Mark Rushall and Emma Richards.

Prize giving will take place as soon as possible after racing on Saturday afternoon, followed by a free party at the club for all competitors sponsored by Volvo Cars, Havant. Everyone is welcome for this great event – helping a very good cause.