This is a truly corinthian event designed to raise money for charities nominated by the individual yachts which enter.   The charities supported must “benefit the human condition” and have a Registered Charity Number.

Provided a yacht is equipped to sail a 26 mile offshore course from Plymouth Sound and back, and its entry falls within the criteria stated elsewhere on this web site, be it large or small, racing or cruising (or neither), old or new, entry is welcomed!   There is an entry fee (detailed elsewhere on this website) and each yacht entering is required to raise sponsorship for its nominated charity.

The Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit is currently sponsored entirely by a private charitable trust and was first sailed in 2002.   It is currently the third largest fund raising event in the South-west, having to date raised funds approaching three quarters of a million pounds, and over £70,000 on average for the past 5 years, benefiting many charities.

There is prize money to be acquired throughout the fleet in three categories, Individual, 3-Boat Team event and the 341 Smeaton Trophy Challenge.   ALL yachts are automatically entered in the Individual event and then can become part of a 3 Boat team if they all sail for the same charity.   If it is a single boat from a business with at least three members of the staff from the entering business sailing for one charity it can enter the 341 Smeaton Trophy Challenge, but not both Team and Challenge events.  Each year there is a substantial sum of prize money to be distributed throughout the fleet, ALL of which goes to the charities nominated.

Afterwards the crews of all boats are invited back to the Supper and Prize Giving in the Eddystone Hall which is generously provided by the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth.   There is a Keepsake for every owner/skipper who comes and prizes (non financial) to take home and keep for the leading boats in a number of different categories.   

The Pursuit currently has support from a number of ‘Friends’ and several Plymouth businesses. Allspars Ltd., Mayflower Marina and Plymouth Yacht Haven also provide trophies. Plymouth Yacht Haven is now supporting a second trophy : The All Female Crew Trophy 2019.   The organisers are very grateful for the support of the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and the ‘Friends’.

Sponsorship is raised by the yachts and it is for them to see that their sponsorship reaches their charity.   The organisers reserve the right on a random basis to seek proof of authenticity and source of sponsorship.   Alternatively the Just Giving Website can be used.

All Prize Money won by the yachts is sent direct to the nominated charities by the Eddystone Pursuit’s Treasurer after the event.