A total of £15,000 was raised for the Sail 4 Cancer charity during this year’s Skandia Cowes Week. Sail 4 Cancer was set up by a group of keen sailors who have lost a close relative or friend to cancer in recent years. The charity, which is run on a voluntary basis, was set up to raise funds for cancer treatment/research through the organisation of high profile sailing events. The charity also provides sailing opportunities for cancer patients/their families with the aim of improving their quality of life. Andy Hayward the founder of the charity was delighted at Sail 4 Cancer’s involvement as the Official Charity of Skandia Cowes Week, in what was the first of a three-year association with one of the world’s premier sailing events. He said: “With Skandia’s help we have raised our profile immeasurably and I would like to thank the team at Skandia for believing in the idea behind Sail 4 Cancer and for backing us 100 per cent of the way.”

During the week, the charity ran a ‘Winch Grinding Challenge’ in conjunction with Lewmar, where participants were invited to wind a winch against the clock. Hayward continued: “The Challenge was great fun and lent an interactive feel to our efforts. It proved a real crowd-puller and raised nearly £2,000. We are also delighted to have been appointed as Lewmar’s Official Charity along with the RNLI.”

As well as the Winch Grinding Challenge, 14 children with cancer and their families were treated to trips on the water with the father and son duo Ian and Seb Clover. Seb is the world’s youngest solo Atlantic yachtsman.