Charity Sailing Regatta: The 'C' Word diagnosis helped by the Sea Word

Tanya & Liane © Liane Williams

Tanya & Liane met a couple of years ago, when working on the South Coast sailing 40 ft. yachts. Liane was amazed to hear that Tanya was fighting breast cancer at the time as she always appeared so upbeat and happy out on the water.

Little did she know that she would soon be fighting the very same disease. Their friendship grew as Tanya supported Liane from diagnosis and right the way through her treatment. They now want to share their love of the water, whilst raising money for the charity BREAST CANCER NOW. Hence the idea for:

"SAIL THE SEA" SAILING CHALLENGE
8TH MAY 2021
IN AID OF BREAST CANCER NOW

Both ladies found throughout their own separate journeys, dealing with breast cancer and the struggles this represents with chemotherapy, radiotherapy etc. that the sea helped them to keep their sanity when at times they were both physically and mentally close to despair. Sailing enables you to be surrounded by friends and being part of a team means your illness no longer defines you.

The loss of oneself during treatment can be overwhelming as you feel stripped both mentally and physically, focusing on your role on the boat takes your mind off the pain. The feeling of exertion with the wind on your face and the boat cutting through the water in a gentle sway is incredibly therapeutic and uplifting. The soothing sound of the waves the rhythmic motion and looking out on a sparkling sea brings quiet and calm and has a healing effect on both body and mind. For that moment in time, you are stress free, with nothing but you and the open water, a chance to unplug and recharge, soaking in all those sunshine vitamins!

It was a reminder to us both of what life can be and what it would be again.. Tanya discovered the benefit for herself when going through her own treatment and was able to encourage Liane to stay focused and use the ocean as a tool to assisting with recovery and keeping positive. Whilst they are now very keen to raise money for Breast Cancer Now (vital in these difficult times) they are equally keen to share their experience and help others on their own paths to recovery.

We are looking for teams of women and men to help us to raise money for Breast Cancer Now. A series of short races around the Solent, taking in many famous landmarks on prestige racing yachts. No sailing experience necessary as each team will have a professional Skipper and First Mate but you will be encouraged to get actively involved in all aspects of sailing and racing your own yacht.

There will be a prize-giving and drinks will be available at the local marina restaurant/bar looking over the beautiful Hamble River post event - overall prize to the winning yacht but also a prize for the best dressed team - start decorating those bras and think pink! A fun day to be had by all and perhaps another challenge to tick of the list - taking part in a high-octane sailing regatta!

We require £295 per head to enter the regatta which can be self-funded or raised in sponsorship. We are also happy for corporate teams to sponsor a yacht and private yacht owner entries.

For further details, contact: Tanya & Liane, The Breast Cancer Warriors, Email:

"It is not enough to be remembered for one's wealth, knowledge and achievements.
One does not make a difference unless it is the difference in people's lives"