In 1999, we completed just under 1500 nautical miles; this time, we are calling at a few more ports and not, therefore, following as direct a route as before, so I would estimate that we shall cover approximately 1600 nautical miles.

This should be from Lowestoft to Whitby; last time we covered 144 nautical miles and it took us exactly 28 hours - I would hope to reduce this to under 22 hours this time (see ‘estimated average speed’ below).   The shortest, but by far the most dangerous, ‘leg’ is from Wick to Scrabster (round the north-east ‘corner’), via the Pentland Firth, which some say is as dangerous as rounding Cape Horn  - this is about 28 nautical miles and should take us a little over 4 hours.

This is probably Kinlochbervie, just south of Cape Wrath (the north-west ‘corner’), though this obviously depends on where you are working from and whether you are considering distance or time - don’t forget we are going to Ireland!

The ‘hull speed’ of a boat (its most efficient cruising speed) is roughly proportional to the square root of its length and, as such, whereas our average speed in 1999 (in a 29’ boat) was 5.17 knots, we would hope to achieve something over 6.5 this time.   

The object is to complete the trip safely, enjoyably, and as nearly ‘on programme’ as we can manage whilst raising as much money for The Cure Parkinson's Trust as we can. Subsequently, should there really be no wind with which to sail, we may have to use the Sentosa's engine so that we remain on schedule.

Please contact The Cure Parkinson's Trust with any changes you wish to make.

For further information about how to raise funds click here. If you would like to get your sailing club involved in some way, contact Theresa to find out more.

Donations made will support The Cure Parkinson's innovative research program and will help to move closer to finding a cure for Parkinson's.