Have you got a fiver in your pocket?

Funds short for British Keelboat Academy for Round Britain entry

Over the past eleven months a small but devoted group of youth keelboat sailors have shared the same determination, persistence and commitment to compete in this year’s RORC Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.

The members of the British Keelboat Academy race the John Merricks Trust owned TP52 John Merricks II - which has undergone a extensive work by the team to convert the boat to a more suitable platform capable of taking on the offshore challenge. The budget for running the boat for a season is less than similar boats spend on one mainsail and all of the work has been done by the young sailors themselves.

With time, a little guidance and advice from supporters within the marine industry the team have been able to carry out many of the changes required. Some big modifications include building and fitting a nav station from scratch, rig modifications, sail modifications and offshore sheeting options to list but a few.

The team are however still short of one vital ingredient – cash. Several thousand pounds are still required to make the startline.

Ever resourceful the team have got together and put up a supporters website where you are invited to sponsor a mile in the race for £5.

If you want to show your support to the cause please visit: www.johnmerricks-rbi.co.uk