This weekend raises money and awareness for the Elizabeth Foundation for Deaf Children. Based in the Portsmouth area, the Elizabeth Foundation offers support nationwide to deaf children, from birth to five years old, and their parents.
This year's splash and dash event was held over two days, with 13 sponsored boats from the pro audio world competing over five races. Saturday evening's fundraiser event at Gunwharf Quays included dinner, auction, raffle and the obligatory pop quiz, all washed down with more than the odd tot of rum.
Since its conception this sailing event has raised over £65,000 for the Elizabeth Foundation. This year has been the most successful yet, with a grand total of £8,500. The raffle raised £777, with prizes donated by Leisuretec, Nevada, beyerdynamic, Clarity, Neutrik, Shure, Kelsey Acoustics, R G Jones, Ansabac, Martin Audio, Allen & Heath and Sound Foundation. The auction raised £1,832, while PLASA presented a cheque for £3,000 to the Elizabeth Foundation founder, Shirley Metherell, at the Earls Court show earlier in the month.
The 2005 DAMMSTY winner's trophy was presented by Simon Bull of Martin Audio to Kelsey Acoustics captain Michael Whiteside. Runner up was CPA Audit and in third place came Ansabac. The Best Newcomer award, sponsored by Shure Distribution, was given to CPA Audit's Greg Pritchard. The prize for the pop quiz (hosted by Dave Robinson) was a super-sized bottle of champagne. It was donated by Neutrik, won by Nevada Music, and drunk by all.Taking part in this year's races were Kelsey Acoustics (winner), CPA Audit, Ansabac, Sound Foundation/Allen & Heath, CMP Pro Sound News, Elizabeth Foundation, Neutrik, Sound Advise, Martin Audio, beyerdynamic, Nevada, Leisuretec Distribution and PLASA.
AIR 2006 is already underway. Interested parties should visit www.air-online.co.uk for booking details.
(Jim Evans)
