Photo Credit © Mark Lamble

As the final trip of the season ended the team geared up to welcoming many of our supporters for a champagne and canapé reception looking out over Cowes harbour from the Prom Room at Offshore Challenges. It was the perfect setting for a very special evening.

The purpose of the event was to show our appreciation to the firms, organisations and individuals who have contributed in many different ways to making the trips a success this year.

In addition to this, Ellen MacArthur made a presentation to Martin Noyle, the General Manager of the Trust who has commandeered the trips in a truly unique and passionate manner for the last three years. The work he has done has been immense and he will be missed. Double Olympic Gold Medallist, Shirley Robertson, made a presentation to the two trust volunteers; Katie Miller and Caroline Parks thanking them for their input to the trips this season, working as a team with Martin to put into practice all the hard work and planning done by all connected to the trust.

The evening was a huge success with a wide range of people there from The Derbyshire, B&Q, LBCC, Sussex Yacht Club, Clic Sargent, Coutts Bank, Offshore Challenges, UKSA, RSYC and many more. Shirley Robertson, Ellen MacArthur and Ben Ainslie completed an excellent crowd.

Without the organisational skills of Cath Bremner, the Weltons, Peter, Caz and Angela the evening would not have occurred. Thanks to Offshore Challenges for the loan of the venue and the kind donation of champagne. This was the first supporters evening The Ellen MacArthur Trust has held, but it may well be becoming an annual event from now on!