Thank you Smart Group

Alex Woodhouse's company come to the rescue of the UKSA GBR Yacht Racing Academy's Fastnet campaign

Alex Woodhouse of Smart Group enjoyed a day trip on the Solent with his family last
weekend to watch the 300 boat fleet of competitors in the Rolex Fastnet Race cross
the startline and head for the Needles. Of particular interest to Woodhouse was the
UKSA GBR Yacht Racing Academy racing on Chernikeeff 2.

The Smart Group provided the necessary finances required for Chernikeeff 2 to
complete the race just two days before the start. Onboard Chernikeeff 2 were 13 relieved

Yacht Racing Academy sailors, all under the age of 23, joined by Tom Gall having
returned to the UK after working with Puma Volvo Ocean Race Team and Skipper
Lars Lippuner sailing for the first time on the boat.

The team sailed well for the first two days, rarely out of the top 5, and at one stage
leading. On leaving the Channel and tacking around Lands End a running backstay
broke forcing the boat to bear away and sail in the opposite direction to the Fastnet
Rock for an hour. Two bowmen were sent up the mast to repair the damage to return
battered and bruised.

Chernikeeff 2 finished the race in 12th position. Given that the boat was not able to
cross the start line a week before finishing the race, the crew were quite happy with
the experience and knowledge gained over the course of the race. The Peter Harrison
Foundation will continue to support the Yacht Racing Academy next year to allow
young sailor the opportunity to compete at a high level of yacht racing, and this years
sailors are keen to drive the project and develop as an independent racing team.

Without the support of Smart Group the culmination of a seasons training would not
have been possible for the Yacht Racing Academy. The sailors would like to thank
Smart Group, Peter Harrison and the staff at UKSA for their can-do attitude.