THE historic Cutty Sark played host to the launch of a charity sail through five seas.
Three yachts from Greenwich Yacht Club set off on the tide from Greenwich Pier on Sunday, aiming to sail to Cardiff and back in three weeks.
The Orolong, skippered by Paul Woodhead and Dave Homan, Flying Free with skippers Don Duane, Norman Reid and Joe Kearney, and Nushaba, skippered by Roger Hibbitt, hope to raise thousands of pounds for their chosen charities — the Cutty Sark Appeal to help restore the famous tea clipper, Macmillan Cancer Care and the Royal National Mission for Deep Sea Fishermen.
Among the crowds which saw them off were Greenwich mayor Councillor Janet Gillman and celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
And there was a good luck message from round-the-world sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who wished them “Fair winds for your sailathon.” The yachts are expected to arrive in Cardiff around June 20.
You can keep up with their progress by logging onto www.sailathon.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article