ATAG Heating sponsored the 11th St Wilfrid's Hospice 'Nab' Challenge, held off Chichester Harbour on Saturday 22 September and helped to raise a record amount of money for the hospice.
The event attracted a record number of entrants, raised over £20,000 for a worthy charity and provided a spectacular day's sailing in near perfect weather conditions.
Funds raised for the hospice exceeded last year's donations (also sponsored by ATAG Heating) and means the total raised by the 'Nab' Challenge since it began is expected to be close to £150,000, reflecting the rapidly growing popularity of the event.
Phil Bell, ATAG's managing director, said: 'It was extremely encouraging to see so many new entrants this year. It's thanks to the incredible generosity and support from local people that this event is so successful and long may it continue.'
Overall winner with the highest points total was Alan Stannah on his boat Sally of Kames. The ATAG trophy for the boat that raised the most money was won by Derrick Pope, who raised £3,200 through sponsorship of his yacht Valkyrie, while the Tempest Fugit Trophy for the club that raised the most money will be going to Itchenor Sailing Club, which raised an incredible £7,180 for the hospice.
Organised by the Inn-Shore Cruising Club, the 'Nab' Challenge takes place over a 12 nautical mile course from a start line just outside Chichester harbour, around the Nab Tower and back. It attracts entrants from sailing clubs throughout Sussex and beyond.
St Wilfrid's provides specialist palliative care for people suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease and other terminal illnesses. Contributions from the public and special events like the 'Nab' Challenge are crucial so that it can continue to offer the vital service to the local community, as only 15% of its costs are funded by the NHS.
