AN INJURED serviceman was thrilled when a sailing regatta put a smile back on his face after four years of pain.
Three boats from the Toe in the Water veterans’ charity were entered as part of the 64-strong fleet in the Red Funnel Easter Challenge.
The event enabled eight injured servicemen to compete against able-bodied crew.
Martin Hall, 41, from the Royal Armoured Corp Bovington, who sustained a knee injury four years ago whilst training, was one of the crew aboard the A40 boat Toe in the Water.
He said: “This weekend has put a smile back on my face after four years of pain.
“We all had such big grins on our faces when we crossed the line in first place on the first day.”
Father-of-three Martin said: “It’s great to feel like part of a team again and to be accepted.
“I think I’ll sell my scooter when I get home and buy a boat.”
One of the charity’s teams clinched a hotly-contested podium position in the overall rankings while all three of the charity’s crews gained top-three placings over the course of the weekend.
Toe in the Water co-founder Holly King said: “For each boat to get a top three placing during the first two days of racing is a phenomenal achievement as many of our boys have never sailed before.
“It’s Toe in the Water’s best results to date and I’m exceptionally proud of them all.”
Prizegiving presentations at the Cowes Yacht Haven followed the racing and the injured servicemen accepted the traditional prizes of chocolate Easter eggs on behalf of their teammates.
The Toe in the Water crews also won the prix d’elegance glass trophy for being the Best Dressed Crew of the regatta.
Participation in the competitive event formed a part of the injured servicemen’s rehabilitation programme after sustaining traumatic injuries.
The eight sailing with Toe in the Water have all been treated at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.
Toe in the Water aims to get more than 60 injured servicemen out sailing this year in a series of forthcoming regattas To find out more visit www.toeinthewater.org
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