This summer, two amazing fundraisers (Will Gibbs and Thomas Samuel) took on the challenge of sailing around Britain, and raised some much needed money for International Alert. We managed to catch up with Will to find out how it went…
1. How does it feel now that you have completed your sail around Britain?
It feels rather peculiar. For the first few days it was a very foreign feeling waking up without a clear objective or location to sail to. Equally, it is only after being back on dry land that you truly realise how cramped and wet our living conditions were. Furthermore, food that isn’t cooked on a primus stove seems a huge treat.
2. What made you both decide to sail around Britain for Alert?
International Alert struck us both as a very worthy and global charity.
3. Why that route?
Other than the prevailing South-Westerly wind, there is very little to make a particular direction more sensible. Given that Tom and I had both sailed on the East and South coast before, we thought that this sailing territory would be ideal to cover when we were feeling fatigued towards the end of the voyage. One change we did make to the initial route was that rather than sailing around the Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath in Northern Scotland, we travelled through the immensely picturesque Caledonian Canal. We never regretted this choice.
4. What was the best leg of your trip? And what was the least enjoyable leg?
The most enjoyable leg was probably sailing around the west coast of Scotland. The scenery was like nothing I had experienced before and the regular appearance of porpoises, dolphins and even pilot wales made it even more special. Added to this were the immensely welcoming locals and during the shorter legs in Scotland we were able to properly get to know some of the other crews also sailing around the West coast.
For me the least enjoyable leg of the trip was from Dartmouth to Brighton. We completed this trip in just over 24 hours but the conditions made it far more testing than we had envisaged. The Inshore Waters forecast predicted calm conditions with a force four from the South West with flat seas. In reality, we had a good force seven at times with some pretty lumpy seas, all washed down with a nice helping of torrential rain. Added to this was the rather interesting entrance to Brighton Marina into which we were surfing down waves as we had to navigate round the break-waters with crests crashing over them. Less than ideal.
5. How long have you both been sailing for?
Tom and I have both been sailing for a while but mainly on dinghies. It has only been in the last few years that we have independently become more interested in big boat sailing. However, this type of long-distance sailing was new to both of us.
6. Why is your boat called Rio?
It was given this name by its previous owner. We still aren’t completely sure why it was chosen but it is very unlucky to change the name of a yacht.
7. Do you think peace is an attainable goal?
History shows peace is attainable but requires very carefully managed strategies. In this way, properly understanding the complexities of conflicts and all parties concerned is of paramount importance. Furthermore, I do feel that peace is only attainable when internal processes of change are harnessed rather than relying purely on outside interventions.
8. What do you think about the work we do?
The broad nature of International Alert’s work is impressive, as is the strong emphasis placed on education and looking at inter-generational strategies. I think International Alert’s acknowledgement that peace can only be forged through local dialogues and through working alongside local communities, empowering them to drive change is very sensible.
9. What are your top sailing tips?
There are plenty of people that know far more than we do about such sailing adventures but I think the preparation is essential. Whilst it is perhaps less of a “tip”, ensuring that your vessel is properly kitted-out is both a comfort when conditions deteriorate and also a great feeling when you know that you can be self-sufficient at sea.
One thing that did emerge from the trip is the importance of looking after yourself. It quickly became evident that the weakest element of the boat and crew combination was the crew. Keeping up levels of hydration, nutrition and morale even when you really don’t want to is the only way to keep going day after day. In that way, self-preservation is the name of the game.
10. What’s next for you both?
Not entirely sure. With regards to sailing, Tom and I both fully intend to use this experience as a strong foundation to do more offshore passages and invest more time in offshore racing. Thinking more broadly, Tom is currently on a boat-building course and I intend to join the Royal Navy.
Want to fundraise for Alert? Get in touch fundraising@international-alert.org [5] and let us know what you’re doing. We will support you every step of the way.
Don’t know what to do? Check out our A-Z of fundraising ideas [6], there’s lots to choose from.