Cumberland Regatta - Helping Heroes

On the 19th June the Cumberland Regatta will incorporate the departure of a military charity sailing expedition which will see 14 Paras who have recently returned from Afghanistan sail across the Atlantic Ocean from Cowes to New York.  The expedition is in aid of two very worthwhile military charities; the much talked about Help for Heroes and The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund.  The soldiers are hoping to be able to raise £10,000 for the two charities.

Many of the soldiers only have a limited sailing background and only a few of the crew have ever sailed on any of the Challenger 67s before.  The expedition is certain to challenge and test the relatively novice crew who have been looking forward to the experience of a lifetime for over a year.

All of the soldiers are currently serving with the elite 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery which is an integral part of Britain's Rapid Reaction Force.  7 Para RHA returned from Afghanistan in late April and after just a few short weeks leave the 14 soldiers are now preparing to depart for the challenge.

 

Royal Thames member Captain John O'Keeffe is the expedition organiser and has been keen for the challenge to start as part of the Cumberland Regatta.  The expedition itself will be started by a salute from one of the regiment's 105mm howitzers which will also be fired to start the Royal Thames' 1776 Cumberland Cup race.

Should members wish to know more about the challenge or donate towards the charities then they are encouraged to visit the expedition website www.exerciseatlanticchallenge.com