UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge 2006

HAMPSHIRE FIREFIGHTERS MAKE WAVES AT UK SAILING CHALLENGE 2006

The prestigious UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge, hosted by Hampshire and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services with the assistance of Sunsail UK, Port Solent, will take place from 2nd - 4th May 2006 in the challenging sailing waters of the Solent.

Now in its 3rd year, the challenge is open to 37ft one-design yachts crewed by public sector fire service personnel from all over the UK. For the first time, colleagues from the country's Ambulance and Police services have also been invited to participate - to heighten the competitive edge to the contest and to recognise the unique relationship that the three services have.

Some 40 firefighters, control and support staff from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service will join the competitive line-up, racing on board Jeanneau Sunfast 37's over the testing three day event, which involves a passage race and two days of 'round the can' racing. In the past, some competitors have found the evening social events testing in their own right and tales of shore side encounters can rival the competition on the water.

In addition to raising funds for the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund (FSNBF), crews will also be contributing to the Sail 4 Cancer charity. The FSNBF provides assistance to serving and retired personnel, their widow/ers and young dependants through the provision of sheltered accommodation, recuperative facilities, rehabilitation and therapy, in addition to financial support for those who need it.

Divisional Officer Mick Stead, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, expressed his optimism ahead of the event: "This challenge always provides good, competitive sailing, but it also highlights the importance of team working within the fire service as well as providing an opportunity to interact and exchange experiences with fire professionals from all over the UK.

"From a single entry in 2003, we are now able to field a strong team of five crews for the 2006 Sailing Challenge, due largely to word of mouth enthusiasm about the event by crews, and I am confident that our combined sailing experience and training efforts will be reflected on the water," he added.

With the welcome support of Critchley Management Solutions Ltd, the UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge is starting to achieve new dimensions as a significant event in the Fire Services' sporting calendar. It is hoped that the event's high level of exposure will attract additional sponsors to assist with the venture and to provide a unique opportunity to deliver fire safety marketing.