Loch Shiel Viking Challenge 2014

In Aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Email: vikingchallenge@gmail.com

Hello kayakers,
Our committee of volunteers is organizing two days of sea kayak races on Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan near Fort William, to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support who provide such an invaluable service for communities around the U.K.
There will be races for touring and racing kayaks to suit experienced sea paddlers (25K) and also a shorter course for those who are less experienced but want to be competitive. The courses will start and finish at Glenfinnan monument and race down Loch Shiel and back. Competitors will wear chipped wristbands and swipe marked waypoint posts along the way, which will test navigation as well as paddling skills.
To add a fun element while the main races are under way other classes of craft will race around the island in view of our base at the Glenfinnan House hotel & marquee.
The attraction of competing here is the rugged, isolated landscape yet only 16 miles from Fort William, the main transport hub.
This exciting event, open to all comers, will take place on the 29/30th March 2014 and we anticipate competitors from canoe clubs throughout Scotland & England. Many have already registered an interest. There will be various categories and prizes for singles, doubles and teams.
Competitors will pay a £60 registration fee, which includes a salmon barbecue after the races, and be asked to raise their own sponsorship, bringing additional income to the race proceeds on the day.
There will be a £10 discount for those who raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship. Macmillan sponsorship forms will soon be available to download from our website.
Certain accommodation providers are offering registered competitors discounted rates so check with us before booking your stay.
The assembly point for classification and safety inspection will be the National Trust car parks, Glenfinnan where there is a café with toilet facilities.
Camping with portable toilet facilities is available behind the Trust property & both are within walking distance of the hotel. There will be an evening concert/ceilidh in the marquee with all proceeds from this going to Macmillan.
Several retailers will be displaying a range of the latest kayaks and accessories so an ideal opportunity to check out the latest equipment.
Please visit our website for all these details & updates www.lochshielvikings.org.uk/
This has only recently gone live with basic information and will have additional content on all aspects of the weekend added as it becomes available.
Registration can be done at anytime by emailing us for a sponsor form and how to pay.
You can also help us by passing on these details to anyone you think might be interested in competing.
Look forward to seeing you in March.
Regards

Race committee: John & Tina Cuthbertson (Corpach) – Alan Kimber (Fort William) – Mary Grant (Glenfinnan) Paul Mills (Duror) – Sharon Morley (Glenfinnan) – Alistair Wallace (Locheilside)