Lizard lifeboat crew member Simon Fayers is taking part in the Jester Baltimore Challenge, a single handed yacht race which will see him navigate from Plymouth to Baltimore in the Republic of Ireland, but without the use of any electronic aids.

He will then sail to a position just off the Continental shelf, a round trip of almost 900 nautical miles in his 26ft yacht, before returning to the Helford River via Brest in France.

Simon, 53, has been a member of the lifeboat crew for over seven years and is an experienced sailor who owns the yacht Shebeca which is moored in the Helford River. He has taken part in a number of single-handed yacht races but on this occasion he will be completing his challenge without the use of any electronic navigational aids and will be attempting to navigate by only using a compass and sextant, which he is currently teaching himself how to use.

The challenge starts from Plymouth on June 14, so Simon is due to leave the Helford River on board Shebeca next Wednesday to sail to Plymouth for the skippers briefing on the Friday. He is hoping to complete the challenge in less than ten days and during the trip will be celebrating his 54th birthday.

Simon has decided to use this challenge to raise funds for both The Lizard lifeboat station and also the Fishermen’s Mission. Anyone can donate using the virgin money giving website at www.uk.virgingivingmoney.com/simonfayers.

Simon said: "I have wanted to sail out to the Continental Shelf where there is little commercial shipping for a long time and after hearing about the Jester Challenge I thought it would be a great personal challenge to combine the two. I always thought it would be really good to learn how to navigate using only a sextant and this challenge was what spurred me on. As a lifeboat crew member we get called to yacht’s which have been disabled and are unable to use their electronic navigational aids. I think it is great to be able to use just the basics of a sextant, compass and chart."

Gina Moore, regional fundraising manager (South West) of the Fishermen’s Mission, said: "The Fishermen’s Mission is absolutely delighted that Simon has chosen to support both our charity and the RNLI. With his vast experience of the sea, Simon understands both the dangers and the risks both sailors and fishermen face out at sea. We wish him a safe and successful journey and all the very best navigating a circular 900 NM route entirely by sextant and compass."