The unique challenge was undertaken in support of the Carrickmannon MRI Unit support fund at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Since the Carrickmannon charity was set up in 1989, it has helped fund the first MRI scanner in Northern Ireland and continues to help with the buying of a variety of essential items such as scanner upgrades, image guidance systems, breast and spinal coils and anaesthetic equipment.

In order to help raise funds for this good cause, the voyage began at 0815 in sedate fashion thanks to the almost perfect stillness of the waters in a sun-kissed Ballyholme Bay.

Poignancy was added to the trip when a one-minute silence was observed and flowers cast on the water before the start in memory of Carol Heaney. Carol was a past Captain of the club, and was a committed member of the race administration team. Carol will be sadly missed.


As the flotilla began their unique journey, light southerly airs barely nudged the boats forward. Fortunately, however, the wind picked up to a good 12 knots from the south off the Copelands and racing began in earnest.
Sailing in single-handed Lasers, the fleet was supported by seven cruisers of various designs from inflatables to the yachts Pintail and Bentim Buoy.
The fleet raced for almost two hours on a good fast reach, with Joni Swanston winning the first leg by a small margin from Dave Fletcher. At least one brown seal was spotted observing the antics with detached interest, proving that there is life in the Irish Sea.

After a brief sojourn for much-needed sustenance, the boats set off for the second leg arriving off Portpatrick around 13.30. Dave Fletcher was first, closely followed by Kevin Currier and Joni Swanston.

Having regrouped, the fleet swept into Portpatrick in close formation to a round of applause from a very appreciative crowd of onlookers bathed in brilliant sunshine.



One of the sailors Roger Armson said: “All in all, it was the perfect day. The weather was glorious, the racing keen, and the sense of achievement immense. Having already attempted the crossing in foul conditions, it was a wonderful experience to get across at this time of year in conditions more reminiscent of July.”

Fellow sailor and organiser Ross Parker expressed sincere gratitude to all those who helped make the expedition a huge success: "Our thanks go to Colin Jamison, Jenny Polly and all the team in support boats without whose help the trip could not have happened. We would also like to thank all those who have already contributed to this very worthy cause. It means a lot to all of us"

The MRI unit is currently housed in the grounds of the Royal Group of Hospitals. Over the next year it will be moving in order to be incorporated into a new Neurological Department. Any donations to the challenge will be gratefully received and can be sent as follows:
The Manager, Northern Bank, Main Street, Bangor, County Down BT20 5AP for lodgement to the "Carrickmannon MRI Unit - Portpatrick Challenge Account”. Cheques should be made payable to “Carrickmannon MRI Unit - Portpatrick Challenge Account”.