Join Mission’s small-boat flotilla finale

D ave Selby has arrived in Southampton after sailing 331 miles in his 5.5m (18ft) Sailfish

He is now calling for PBO readers to create a small-boat flotilla as he sails up Southampton Water for the show opening. The 57-year-old, who has a rare viral condition called GuillainBarré Syndrome, set off from Maldon, Essex in mid-July and sailed up the Thames and on around the coast in little hops as weather, time and health allowed. His challenge has so far raised more than £3,000 for the GAIN (Guillain-Barré & Associated Inflammatory Neuropathies) charity. Dave said: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed by the friendship and support I’ve found along the way. I thought I’d be alone for long stretches but I had company all along the South Coast. It’s been a blast.’

At the show (stand A134), the PBO columnist aims to demonstrate how to get afloat on a modest budget. ‘I found the perfect example of what it’s all about in Warsash on the Hamble where I met Dave Edwards,’ he said. ‘Dave bought his Hurley 18 for £63 on eBay and sailed it all the way to Plymouth and back.’

As well as his Sailfish there will be a Hurley 20 on his stand and the PBO team will be on hand to talk about the new PBO project boat, while Dave and guest speakers will give a series of presentations each day at 10.30am. Artist Claudia Myatt, whose cartoons illustrate Dave’s monthly column, will also be painting live over the first weekend, while the PBO team will be helping Dave replace his leaking boat windows.

Find the full schedule at pbo.co.uk/dave-selby, follow Dave on twitter @ImpracticalBoat, and sponsor the GAIN charity at www.justgiving.com/DaveSelby-Marlins-Mission.