Gosport pursuit race raises £5,000 for charities

A BOAT race raised more than £5,000 for different charities.

The inaugural Gosport Peninsula Charity Pursuit raised cash for 13 charities including the Gosport Sea Cadets, the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service and the Portsmouth Sail Training Trust.

The event, held last month, pits different- sized yachts against each other in a 24-mile race from Gilkicker Point in the Solent.

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This year, 20 yachts with 96 onboard crew took part in the race, which focuses more on fundraising than winning.

Neil Chapman, from Boatshed.com which was the official race sponsor, said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces on the water as the yachts crossed the start line.

‘The race is a wonderful event to raise thousands for charities and get Gosport out on the water together.’

The event, modelled on the Eddystone Charity Pursuit in Plymouth, is organised by Gosport Marine Scene as part of the Gosport Marine Festival events series.

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Following the off-shore action, there was lots for families to enjoy including live music, the Big Noise Samba Band and a barbecue.

There was also a prize-giving with categories including Overall Pursuit Winner, Oldest Crew, Youngest Crew, Highest Fundraiser and Best-Dressed Yacht.

Due to the success of the event Gosport Marine Scene has announced the date of the 2017 Gosport Peninsula Charity Pursuit on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Entry forms will be available on its website shortly. Visit gosportmarinescene.com.

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