In support of the charity Home-Start, yesterday the Pirates and Oppie sailors took to the waters of the model yacht pond in Guernsey Sailing Trust Oppies to compete in the Mini Marathon.

With six teams all aiming for the podium places, the competition developed into a fierce battle where the will to win of the youngsters was second only to the one of the parents counting the laps and supporting each team with changeovers!

“Yes, the parents became very competetive, cheering for their own team rather than their child’s”, says event organiser and Pirate sailing co-ordinator Louise Allen with a smile.

Showing tactical skills in the fresh breeze worthy an Americas Cup final, Toby Roussel managed to captain his team with Grainne Wrigley, Harry Whittle, Georgia Phillips and Caitlin Strachan to victory, only a lap ahead of the closest rival and with the rest of the teams following shortly behind. The well deserved Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes to the top three teams were then presented by Jurat Margaret Spaargaren, Chairperson of Home-Start in Guernsey.

The morning’s competition was followed by a much appreciated lunch BBQ and in the afternoon some 10-12 parents took the opportunity to enter Havelet Bay in Picos and a Feva for a - by the youngsters - long longed for parents sailing.

No doubt, the whole event stretching from the morning, over lunch and into the afternoon has been a success, with great activities broadly supported by the young sailors as well as their parents and others.

“Yes, it has been a success,” says Louise. “And we managed to raise about £550 for Home-Start which is brilliant.”

Photos (from the top): The race is on and the young sailors fly the colorful Oppie sails on the model yacht pond; the winning team with captain Toby Roussel in the middle. 

Home-Start is a charity aimed at providing help and support to families with children under five years old. Trained volunteers within the home offer support and friendship.

The group aims to offer support, friendship and practical assistance in helping families develop their strengths and emotional well being to the ultimate benefit of their children.