On the 2nd of July, Captain Tim and his crew of salty sea dogs are participating in the Round the Island race to raise much needed funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation. The motley crew embarking on this voyage are:

Matt Sage the 15th mate with 3 hours of sailing experience, Russell Busst who’s crossed the seven seas but never on a boat, Phil Metcalfe our trusty navigator who's just ordered his first compass, Salil Dias Sabir the self-proclaimed tactician who will be the mixologist for "team cocktails" throughout the race, Phil Harvey who has, without his knowledge, been named Powder-monkey and assigned to race duties at the very top of the 36ft mast and Philippa Doorbar and Beatriz Luraschi who openly admit they're coming for the view and possibly a podium finish.  

The race, first held in 1931, is a 50 nautical mile (92.8km) sprint round the Isle of Wight and starts and finishes in Cowes. They will be racing on board 'Flying Fish' which is a 40ft Beneteau racing yacht similar to the infamous Captain Pugwash's Black Pig Ship.

The race attracts over 1600 boats ranging from Ocean racing trimarans and Carbon-fibre racing yachts to small day cruisers and family boats. It is one of the most competitive races in Britain and with such a tremendous turnout of sailors from around the world, is an ideal place for us to showcase to the world the fantastic work of the Matt Hampson foundation. You can visit the foundation at www.matthampsonfoundation.org/. 

The Matt Hampson Foundation was formed in 2011. It provides advice, support, relief and/or treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in or training for any sport, sporting activity or other form of physical education or recreation.

Since his accident in 2005 during an England Under 21 rugby training session, Matt has battled hard to live as normal a life as possible. Paralyzed from the neck down and breathing via the aid of a ventilator, it is testament to him that he decided to set up the Foundation so that others who have suffered similar catastrophic injuries through sport can receive support and assistance.

As well as his Foundation duties which include, visiting, mentoring, providing advice and fundraising, Matt delivers inspirational talks to young people and businesses around the country.