Just weeks after finishing his O-level exams, Tom Bonello Ghio is preparing to set a record and sail solo 60 nautical miles from Sicily to Comino to raise money for children’s charity Puttinu Cares.
“I have wanted to do something for charity for the past four years and now that my exams are over I decided to go for it and raise money for the UK apartments used by families whose children have cancer,” he said.
The former St Edward’s College student, who is 16, spent almost half his life sailing, having first been on a boat aged seven with a family friend. He never looked back.
On September 13, he will leave Marina Di Ragusa in Sicily at midnight to sail 60 miles to Gozo. From there, he will proceed to Comino, then sail along Malta’s east coast to the Royal Yacht Malta Club, in Manoel Island, a journey expected to take 14 hours.
Land and sea are two different worlds, you are alone and the wind can rise anytime. But it’s great
This will be the first crossing from Sicily to Malta in a Laser 4.7, a very popular, small competition boat with a single sail of 4.7 square metres (hence, the name). He has, in fact, contacted Guinness World Book of Records to certify the feat but he is still waiting for a response.
He started sailing the Laser last year, after he grew too tall for the Optimist, which has smaller sails and is intended to be used by children up to the age of 15.
Although Tom will be alone in the sailing boat, he needs to have two support boats with him. He has found one, but is still looking for the second.
He also has the support of his parents, Joanna and Albert, who have always helped him throughout his sailing career, which was peppered with prizes and trophies – the latest for placing first in the 2013 National Championships.
“When I told them what I wanted to do this to raise money, they welcomed it and said they were behind me,” Tom said.
Going out at sea is “stepping into another world”, he added. “Everything is quiet. It’s just you and the sea.
“Land and sea are two different worlds, you are alone and the wind can rise anytime. But it’s great,” he said.
To donate, text 5061 7380 for €2.33 or call 5160 2007 for €10, 5170 2006 for €15 or 5180 2008 for €25. For more information visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TBGsailing .