SKIPPERS and crews from Weir Quay Sailing Club took their vessels to take part in a charity challenge to raise money for the development of a new site for the club.

Eight sailing club boats took part in the 2015 Eddystone Pursuit Challenge earlier this month, starting from close to Queen Anne's Battery and sailing on a hard beat into a strong south west wind out to the Eddystone light some 13 miles away to the south west, round the light then back, crossing the start line to finish.

Participating yachts were Simon Driver's Ginslinger, Dick Brown's Balu, Dave Blackman's Gimmick, Allan Seward's Love Knot, Andy Holmes' Midnight Star, Rob Kirby's Sparta, Jim Barnes' Sea Nymph and Mike Street's Quest.

The skippers and crew raised a total of £2,640.62 in sponsorship, including Gift Aid, for the Watersports Hub Club and were awarded a total of £1,871.77 from the event organisers in individual performance-related prizes, team prizes and a special prize of £250 for the greatest number of boats completing the course in support of one charity — bringing the total raised towards the cost of development to £4,512.40.

The funds will make a valuable contribution towards the amount needed to start the new site development.

Years ago, club members donated more than £15,000 towards the purchase of the site, planning and legal costs. Many new members have joined the club since then, but have not yet been given the opportunity to contribute to the new facilities. If there is not enough funding for the work to be completed by this autumn, the spending deadline for the Sport England grant of £50,000 will expire with the grant at risk of being withdrawn.

The club expressed thanks to all members who sponsored a boat for the event.

For more information visit http://www.wqwatersports">www.wqwatersports .org.uk