Home in time for Neighbours
The three teenagers circumnavigating the British Isles in a RIB have returned victorious to the Solent.
Archie Ward, Harry Edwards and Jack Haigh, from the Isle of Wight, were greeted by a flotilla of support boats carrying family members and friends as they stormed along the final part of the course.
They left the Solent on Sunday 8 July and have managed some huge daily mileages to make it back so quickly.
They attempted the challenge to raise funds for Sail 4 Cancer and have been sponsored by BRP Recreational Products UK with a fully kitted out 9m Ribcraft RIB fitted twin 250hp Evinrude E-TEC outboards. The engines are manufactured by BRP.
The final day of the team’s diary webpage reads: “The boys left Great Yarmouth at 07.30 hrs with an eta at the Sea View Yacht Club at 16.30 hrs.
“Despite nearly losing the ‘A’ frame, the boys having had to strap it on, they arrived to a fantastic welcome at 15.00 hrs.
“There was a flotilla of boats out to meet them with everyone scanning the horizon to see them appear – suddenly there they were – no time to stop and greet their Mothers! These boys were on a mission and their aim was the finish line, so we all followed desperately trying to keep up with them and the finish line was in site – all six guns were fired to signal the end of the challenge.
“Suddenly the Rib came to a grinding halt and the mission was accomplished.
“Many congratulations followed and now it was time for hugs for the Mum’s and applause from all the boats around. The Rib then finally tied up on the Yacht Club slip way to huge cheers and applause from all their faithful followers on land and the boys stepped ashore to be greeted by all their chums.
“They would like to take this opportunity of thanking the S.V.Y.C. for all their help and support with starting and finishing the challenge and all their friends who have been following the progress with huge interest. Now the real hard work starts with the raising of funds for their charity Sail4Cancer.”
