The Parkinson’s Disease Society have announced a new fundraising venture for 2005 – Sail the Island Adventure. During May Bank Holiday weekend, 29 April to 2 May, up to 70 aspiring sailors will be given the opportunity to learn how to crew a 40 foot yacht in race conditions in aid of the Parkinson’s Disease Society. The event is to be set in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.

The Sail the Island Adventure is a fundraising challenge and aims to raise £10,000 for people with Parkinson’s across the UK. Partners for the event are ‘Spirit Sailing’ – a Royal Yachting Association accredited sailing school, based in the Solent.

Over the weekend participants, in crews of six, will be given just one day to practise their skills before the race around the Isle of Wight. The winning yacht will receive the inaugural Race Winners Trophy.

Hugo Middlemas, Director of Fundraising at the PDS said, “Sail the Island is an innovative fundraising event offering people, who haven’t sailed before, the chance to learn and compete whilst raising money for a very important cause – people with Parkinsons.”

The PDS is looking for people enthusiastic to take part in this fundraising event. To get involved or find out more go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/sailing