Top international sailors will be joining complete newcomers in the Round the Island Race which takes place on 21st June. Among the novices will be two children's television presenters - Fran Beauman and Ania Dykczak, from 'Bring It On'.
Their challenge is to go from complete beginners to race ready in five days. Neither has set foot in a boat before, but Fran and Ania will be getting some expert tips from round-the-world yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur, who is keen to encourage children to go sailing.
Fran and Ania will start their course at the Cowes-based United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) on 16th June under the tutelage of Chief Instructor Ben Willows, himself an 18 foot skiff competitor and regular contender in national events.
Fran and Ania will start single-handed sailing in Picos, then progress to a Wayfarer dinghy. They can then try "Ibis", the Colgate 26 they will use to compete in the Sportsboat Rule section of the race.
Here they'll be up against a range of Laser SB3s, Cork 1720s, Mumm 30s and Sonars. A camera team will be following Fran and Ania throughout the week and the programme is scheduled for broadcast in September.
The full entry list of over 1,500 boats is available on www.roundtheisland.org.uk.
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