Raise money and have fun in new charity pursuit event in Gosport

It is organised by Gosport Marine Scene as part of the Gosport Marine Festival events series.

A pursuit, as the name implies, is not a race but an opportunity to test the mettle of your boat against others.

Boats start in groups, smallest first, with the aim of finishing at around the same time.

The course will be finalised shortly before the event but if the weather is right, boats will sail from Gilkicker Point, Stokes Bay to the Solent’s Nab Tower and back – a route of about 20 miles.

Gosport Marine Scene secretary Peter Cardy said: ‘It’s about fundraising for good causes rather than winning the race. It’s modelled on the Eddystone Charity Pursuit in Plymouth.

‘We think it’s going to be a great day. It’s an opportunity to show off the boats and have fun with friends.’

After the event, there will be a prize- giving party, with barbeque and entertainment at Hornet Services Sailing Club in Gosport.

There will be a presentation of the Gasworks Challenge Cup to the vessel with the highest accumulated points.

There will also be prizes for several fun categories, including best dress crew, best dressed boat, youngest crew and the oldest crew.

There is no specific limit but boats must be capable of doing 20 miles in open water.

Interested participants are encouraged to sign up for the pursuit as soon as they can, with points being awarded for early entry, fundraising and for performance in the pursuit itself.

Further details, along with information on how to enter, terms and conditions, and how to start raising sponsorship, are available at gosportmarinefestival.org.uk.

Participants are encouraged to promote their fundraising on Twitter using the hashtag #Gosport and @GosportMarFes to support the campaign.