Bramble Bank cricket match attracts round-the-world yachtsmen

Laura Hodgetts
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Round-the-world yachtsmen Geoff Holt and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston were among the players of this year’s Bramble Bank cricket match in the middle of the Solent.

The annual event, which has been running for some 30 years, takes place when the low-water spring tide exposes the bank long enough to play a game.

Last Sunday, 18 September, Island Sailing Club’s team were victorious against arch rivals the Royal Southern Yacht Club – as it was their turn to win.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston at the Bramble Bank cricket match. Photo credit: Christian Beasley

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston at the Bramble Bank cricket match. Photo credit: Christian Beasley

Wheelchair user Andy Beadsley, director of The Wheelyboat Trust, transported Geoff to the event in the wheelchair-accessible Coulam Wheelyboat V20. Andy said: ‘It was all very busy, but I was very pleased to see the mission accomplished.

‘We safely deposited Geoff on the Bramble Bank and picked him up again shortly after while making sure the Coulam Wheelyboat V20 remains unscathed. With so many boats arriving to the sandbank, it was a challenge to keep the V20 safe from all of the other boats, warps and chains whilst Geoff was off batting.

Given the rules of the match we knew that Geoff’s team will lose but I am proud to know that he was able to take part in the game thanks to the high versatility of the Coulam Wheelyboat V20.’