West Country businesses raise £1,200 for charity

Businesses from across the South West took to the water on Saturday 10 September to raise £1,200 for Plymouth-based children's charity, Horizons.

Now in its third year of running, the ‘Sailing Challenge Trophy' - a sailing race held in and around Plymouth Sound, was hosted by top 40 accountants Bishop Fleming.

The Challenge Trophy was contested by 10 boats and was won for the second year running by Ocean Group BMW. The Small fleet category, contested by 4 boats, was won by The Redstart Learning Partnership with Horizons.

With the exception of the skippers, most of the crews were made up of novice sailors with the event providing a great opportunity to introduce people form the local business community into the sport of sailing.

All crews received their race instructions from the Royal Western Yacht Club whilst enjoying a breakfast bacon-roll and coffee. After the race they returned to the RWYC for a hot buffet and prize-giving.

According to Charlie Thomson, Partner in Charge of Bishop Fleming's Plymouth office: "The annual Sailing Challenge Trophy has become an established annual event for everyone in the local business community who enjoys sailing or just fancies giving it a go. The event has a serious purpose however, to raise funds for Horizons Children's Sailing Charity who use sailing as a platform for transforming the lives of young people in Plymouth. We were delighted to be able to support them again particularly in their 25th anniversary year."