BOATING PEOPLE

30 BOATING PEOPLE

Q&A with 15-year-old Timothy Long who, last month, completed his challenge to became the youngest person to sail solo around Britain. What were the highs and lows Tell us about the boat you sailed, and of the journey? do you have a dream boat? There were so many! The highs were seeing some My boat for the Round Britain trip was Alchemy, a spectacular scenery, and the wildlife I encountered 28ft Hunter Impala, which I chose because of its along the way. I was frequently accompanied by pods combination of being good in all conditions and of dolphins, not to mention the seals, puffi ns and very seaworthy. other birds. That really lifts you when you are out I have many dream boats, depending on what I there alone. would be taking on… but needless to say, they would In terms of sailing highs, those rare moments when all require dream budgets too. speed, with an incredible sunrise or sunset thrown in… Why did you choose to support the it was just me and the boat and nothing else around. Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust? Image: Marc Turner / EMCT As for the lows, there was one particularly diffi cult sail from Troon to Stranraer. We set off with a forecast for a steady force 5, which quickly rose to a force 6 - 7. It was a big learning experience, to say the least. I was amazed how Alchemy handled the conditions so well. Ellen MacArthur has always been a huge inspiration to me. I found out about her Cancer Trust charity from reading her books, and when I was 12 I asked if I could volunteer with them, but unfortunately I was too young.

How old were you when you started sailing? I started sailing at the age of nine. My fi rst experience was in an Opi on a freezing lake in the middle of a thunderstorm. It did not put me off though!

How did this challenge to become the youngest person to sail solo around Britain come about? A couple of years ago I decided I wanted a challenge and adventure that would push me to fi nd new limits, and that is how I decided to sail around Britain. It provides so many challenges, and I wanted to explore my own country. I did not realise I would be the youngest until I started researching it. the boat was going in the right direction at the right

Timothy chose the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as a charity to support during his expedition, following Dame Ellen MacArthur’s similar sailing journey when she was 18. Image: Marc Turner / EMCT Timothy arriving in Largs during his attempt to become the youngest person to sail solo around Britain. Image: Marc Turner / EMCT So, when I set up my Round Britain 2020 project, EMCT was the obvious choice of charity to support. They do amazing work with young people of a similar age to me (8 - 24) to rebuild their confi dence after cancer treatment, and the experience of being together on a boat can be a real turning point for people who have been through the worst of times.

Is there another challenge/race you would like to take on? There are many. I would love to race across an ocean at some point, and eventually circumnavigate the globe.

So, you clearly love sailing. Are you planning to have a career in the marine world? Yes, I really want to pursue a career in racing.

Who are your boating inspirations? There are so many… fi rst and foremost Ellen MacArthur, of course. Then I would say the likes of Pete Goss, Ian Walker and Bernard Moitessier.

What do you love about sailing? For me, it is the huge sense of freedom. When you are out there on the sea, it is just you, the boat and the elements. You feel so alive… it is quite addictive!

Donation website: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/roundbritain2020

Offi ces To Let

We currently have offi ces to let from 374 to 1150 square feet. All-inclusive licence fees and short-term agreements available. This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to have an offi ce on the Hamble River. Contact Steve on 02380 201501