On Friday last week Timothy Long from Buckinghamshire set sail from Southampton on a 1,600 mile record breaking voyage. At just 15 years of age he is set to become the youngest person to sail solo around Britain.
Timothy has never sailed more than 40 miles alone but he says “I wanted to do something that was going to push me and take me somewhere I had never been before, completely on my own. So I thought, why not sail around Britain?” The two-month trip will raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, a charity that supports young people who have suffered with cancer to rebuild confidence through sailing and adventure.
Timothy and his father Nick approached Fox’s Marina & Boatyard in January whilst they were preparing for the challenge. They needed assistance with navigation electronics onboard the 28 foot Hunter Impala named Alchemy. Fox’s were only too happy to step in and support not only a young enthusiastic sailor but also a charity that is very close to our heart.
In recognition of Timothy’s challenge the team at Fox’s helped with preparations and advice, installing a new chart plotter, AIS and Autopilot system, supported by main engine and prop shaft servicing, inspections and underwater coatings. We wanted to ensure that Timothy left for his trip with the reassurance that the yacht was fully and safely equipped.
Timothy had been due to set off at the end of June, but the Coronavirus pandemic delayed his departure. He also decided to change the direction of his trip to anti-clockwise at the last minute, on the advice of a meteorologist. With a total distance of 1,600 miles the trip is expected to take at least 6-8 weeks.
The team at Fox’s are proud to be helping Timothy to fulfil his dream of becoming the youngest person to sail solo around Britain and wish him fair winds on his journey. We look forward to following Alchemy’s progress and celebrating a safe return.
If you would like to donate to Timothy’s fundraising for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roundbritain2020
To follow his Timothy on this epic challenge visit www.facebook.com/roundbritain2020/