A pair of intrepid voyagers are set to stop-off on the Gareloch in May at the culmination of a record-breaking sailing attempt.
Acting Petty Officer Phil Slade and MOD civilian Mark Belamarich are sailing non-stop from Plymouth to the Gareloch in a dinghy to raise money for both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Bowel Cancer UK.
Last year the sailors set a new record by travelling non-stop from Plymouth to Portsmouth, via Sept-Iles in France, using a Royal Navy Bosun sail training dinghy.
The amazing 309.25 nautical mile trip was recognised by Guinness World Records as the longest distance ever sailed in a double-handed dinghy.
Phil and Mark will attempt to smash their existing record in May this year, covering over 500 nautical miles of open sea from Plymouth to the Gareloch.
“We are very privileged to be able to raise awareness and funds for the RNRMC and Bowel Cancer UK, especially doing what we love to do,” said Phil.
“We are pushing the bounds of the envelope and taking Bosun sailing to the next level, in hope that whether you are a sailor or not, you will understand what we are taking on for these brilliant charities.”
Mark, who is a sea survival instructor with 1 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, and Phil, from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sail Training Centre at Royal Marines Stonehouse, decided to support RNRMC and Bowel Cancer UK as they are charities close to their hearts.
Mark in particular has a very personal reason for supporting Bowel Cancer UK having survived the disease.
“Bowel cancer has caused so much sadness through the generations within my family,” he said.
“Raising awareness for those under 50 in particular the 20-30 age range is extremely important.”
Support Phil and Mark’s 2017 record breaking attempt, “Bosun 500 Challenge” at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/bosunchallenge500.
Like them on Facebook @bosunchallenge500.
