A YOUNG Islander is preparing to set sail on a crossing to Carteret this weekend in aid of a local charity.
Twelve-year-old Alice Capstick plans to sail herself to France tomorrow [SATURDAY 24] while raising money for MND Jersey – a charity that supports Islanders living with motor neurone disease.
The St Michael’s School pupil is well-equipped for the solo challenge, as a descendant of a successful seagoers – including her uncle Phil Sharp, one of Britain’s most renowned single-handed sailors.
Manning the vessel alone for the 43km journey, while stocked up with snacks, a compass and a radio, Alice will be followed to the coast of Normandy by her family in a support boat to make sure she stays on course.
Having raised £2,000 for MND Jersey already – which she chose to match her school’s charity day – her mother, Anne Capstick, said Alice was determined to complete the challenge before she enters her teenage years.
“She’s mucked around in boats for most of her life, but she hasn’t done any kind of big challenge like this,” Ms Capstick said.
“She seems really excited. She’s very calm and very up for it. I think I’m probably more nervous,” she added.
As the challenge approaches, Ms Capstick explained that Alice has spent her evenings on the water getting to grips with the sails and doing some last-minute fundraising, which is quadruple her initial target of £500.
If the weather is favourable, the family should get to Carteret late tomorrow afternoon [SATURDAY 24 MAY], where they will spend the night before travelling back to the island on Sunday.
Ahead of her venture, Alice said she is “feeling nervous, but excited at the same” and that she decided to challenge herself because she loves to sail.
“I am just trying to think of [the challenge] as another one of my training sessions,” Alice said.
“I thank everybody who has sponsored me; it will make a massive difference to people in Jersey with motor neurone disease,” she added.
To support Alice you can donate to her JustGiving page via: www.justgiving.com/page/anna-capstick-1
