Charity sailing event cancelled due to bad weather

The Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit was due to take place in Plymouth on 15 June

A charity sailing marathon in Devon has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions, organisers have said.

The Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit was due to take place in Plymouth on Saturday.

The pursuit raises money for charities that "benefit the human condition" and has been running since 2002.

Organisers said it would be "unwise to proceed" with the forecast "wind against tide" conditions during the day.

'Risk damage'

The annual event sees various sized yachts sail a 26 mile (42km) offshore course, starting and finishing in Plymouth Sound.

It has raised over £1.1m for charity since its inception.

Writing on social media, the Eddystone Pursuit said: "The Trustees have taken the decision that it would be unwise to proceed and ask people to possibly risk damage to their boats, or worse their lives, in the pursuit of money for charity.

"The Trustees have decided that they will distribute the prize money to the nominated charities in accordance with the practice of the event by taking into account entry time and sponsorship raised, without a sailing result."

Fundraising results will be published "as usual" on the event website on Saturday evening, it added.

Organisers asked participants for their patience while details were finalised.