Round British Isles Harbour Master Sailing Challenge (90% to Seafarers' Charity 10% to Lillington Church)

Update October 2023

I HAVE COMPLETED THE CHALLENGE!

255 Harbour Masters met and interviewed. 8,500 Nautical Miles sailed. 310 Harbours visited.

I am raising money for The Seafarers' Charity (formerly King George's Fund for Sailors) by sailing around the whole Great Britain & Ireland, attempting to visit every harbour with a Harbour Master between 2019 and 2024. Starting in Dartmouth in March 2019, my last harbour was Drogheda, Co Louth.

I interviewed each Harbour Master and recorded information about their harbour and their varied job and am posting it on Instagram (@harbourmastersailingchallenge) as I sail along. I attempted to sail into each harbour - but where that was not possible I visited the Harbour Master on foot.

I am supporting The Seafarers' Charity in memory of my father Peter, who was in the Royal Navy. They also support men's mental health having suffered depression myself, and which I am keen to promote.

The Seafarers' Charity has been helping people in the maritime community for over 100 years, by providing practical support to seafarers "in need" and to their families. They support also support those in education or training who are preparing to work or serve at sea. The charity does this by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to people’s lives, across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Last year, Seafarers' gave grants totalling £2.5 million to 60 maritime welfare charities. Seafarers' receives no government funding and is heavily dependent on public donations and legacies to maintain its grant-making programme.

10% of what I raise is being donated to St Martin's Church, Lillington, Sherborne, Dorset. I am Church Warden of this beautiful and thriving church, and in return for being released from my wardening duty for my 5 year Odyssey, Seafarers' has kindly agreed to share part of what I raise.

Special thanks to 2023 sponsor: Inland and Coastal Marina Systems who have given £1,500 direct to Seafarers' Charity. A wonderful Irish company! www.inlandandcoastal.com