Indian Ocean Rowing Race -- Newsletter Issue 4

We are working alongside Orchid, the only UK registered charity that focuses entirely on the male-specific cancers; prostate, penile and testicular. They fund medical research and promote awareness about these cancers. Once we have covered our expenses we will use all additional funds to support Orchid. Before this time we will help to promote awareness of the male cancers, this is crucial in helping to recognise signs of the cancers - a simple self check can identify early signs of testicular cancer; which if caught early is 98% treatable.

To find out more about Orchid and the male cancers please visit:
www.orchid-cancer.org.uk


On Saturday 23 August we officially launched our boat at the Captains Club Hotel, Christchurch. The afternoon began with an inspiring speech by record breaking polar explorer Ben Saunders, after that the boat was launched on to the river Stour. Swing Unlimited belted out some fantastic tunes and 175 guests enjoyed delicious Indian themed food. The raffle and auction raised an amazing £2800 with 10% of the proceeds going to Orchid. Prizes included a Leicester Tigers rugby shirt signed by Martin Johnson and a cast signed copy of the latest Harry Potter book ‘The Half Blood Prince’ In total the day raised an impressive £7,500. We would like to thank everyone who attended and made the day such a success and also a big thank you to all at the Captains Club Hotel for the superb venue, food and drink!

We are lucky enough to be one of the Southampton Boat Shows’ featured boats at this years’ exhibition. We will be there for the duration of the show, from Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September. The boat will be moored on berth 397 in a prime position next to Sunseeker. If you are in the area or planning to visit then please come over and say hello, we may even let you have a go in the boat!
Since the boat launch we have had a few more sponsors join our portfolio
	Tom, Guy’s brother has sealed a sponsorship contract with Navico, a leader in marine electronics. Through Navico’s owned brands; Lowrance, Northstar and Simrad we have been provided with GPS, VHF and Tiller Pilot for our long journey across the Indian Ocean.
	Michael Sfakianakis confirmed support from Gulfhead, a leading UK spare parts supplier to the marine industry. Their sponsorship will pay for safety equipment for the race. As part of the deal we joined Gulfhead at their industry exhibition, the IMPA at Kensington Town Hall, London on September 17th.
	Claire from Local Web Solutions has provided us with flyers and business cards to promote our causes and current sponsors. Thanks to Cat for being so patient through the designing process and giving us a means to reach future sponsors.
	Spinlock, known as the ‘experts in rope handling’ have sent us two life jackets for use whilst training and during the event itself.
	Lopolight have supplied us with the top-of-the-range 360° navigation light that will be displayed on our boat at the Southampton Boat Show.
Fundraising update
13 September - The Boars Head Horsham Thanks to everyone who attended the Hog Roast at the Boars Head in Horsham. The evening was a great sucess raising £500 of which 10% will be donated to Orchid.		We are working alongside Orchid, the only UK registered charity that focuses entirely on the male-specific cancers; prostate, penile and testicular. They fund medical research and promote awareness about these cancers. Once we have covered our expenses we will use all additional funds to support Orchid. Before this time we will help to promote awareness of the male cancers, this is crucial in helping to recognise signs of the cancers - a simple self check can identify early signs of testicular cancer; which if caught early is 98% treatable. To find out more about Orchid and the male cancers please visit: www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
28 September - Berlin Marathon Don’t forget Tom Watts, Mark Cawthorne and Chris Law are running alongside Guy in this years Berlin Marathon to help raise awareness for Orchid and funds for our race. If you would like to donate money directly to Orchid please click here
If you would like to set up your own fundraiser towards our costs or for Orchid please let us know. Remember to visit www.indianoceanrace.com and track our progress online.


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