“I have decided to put my name to the Make Poverty History campaign and support the Sail 8 initiative because all of us are responsible for the world and the environment we live in. I do not claim to fully understand all the issues involved but I believe that if we can make our world leaders take on this campaign to help Third World countries then we should. We live in a world that is no longer separated by time or distance and we cannot ignore the suffering or poverty that is effecting so many of the world’s population. We have seen in the past how ‘people power’ can work and there is no doubt if everyone makes an effort to support this campaign the rewards will come for those that need it most. The Sail 8 initiative has been set up to encourage people to come from France via the main cross channel ferry operators or if they have the right qualifications and their own boat, and weather permitting, of course, they can sail across to Portsmouth or any other UK port and participate in the Long Walk to Justice to gather on the eve of the G8 summit. This is not a political crusade but a crusade to make your voice heard and to put an end to needless suffering.”
Ellen MacArthur

NB: Neither Ellen nor her trimaran will be involved in the channel crossing due to prior commitments. Ellen has a long-standing commitment to the Ellen MacArthur Trust - four weekends a year are organised for Ellen to sail with kids suffering from cancer and cannot be cancelled. Followed by existing sailing commitments.

For more information about he capmaign or how to get involved please log onto http://www.makepovertyhistory.org

Official press release from the Make Poverty History organisers:

GELDOF CALLS ON SAILORS TO RECREATE D DAY IN ACTION AGAINST POVERTY

Bob Geldof is calling on sailors and boat owners,to form a massive flotilla across the Channel in July as part of the world wide action against poverty.

Everyday, poverty kills 30,000 children in Africa alone. Another 100 will have died in the time that it takes you to read this page.

World poverty is preventable. In an urgent rallying cry to make poverty history, Bob Geldof is calling on people around the world to show their support ahead of the G8 Summit at Gleneagles where world debt is the major agenda item. Already up to 20 million people are expected to offer their support as part of the biggest mobilisation against global inequality ever seen.

“This is our chance to make sure the G8 leaders understand that we will not stand by and watch them do nothing – again. I want everyone who’s got access to a boat to set sail on July 3rd, and be part of the Long Walk to Justice. I want to see a recreation of D day – but this time the action is on poverty. This is the rich world on the move in support of those who can barely crawl.

We call on the sailing community to act now. To take part individuals should encourage their community to set sail across the Channel, then walk and travel by any means towards Edinburgh. The G8 leaders have it within their power to alter history. They will only have the will to do so if tens of thousands of people show them that enough is enough. By doubling aid, fully canceling debt, and delivering trade justice for Africa, the G8 could change the future for millions of men, women and children.”

This historic movement of people towards the G8 summit would be the first of its kind in support of the relief of world debt. Ellen MacArthur is supporting the campaign and international transport and travel companies have pledged their support by providing planes, trains, coaches to get people to Edinburgh by Wednesday 6th July when world leaders arrive for the G8.

“It is at times like this that the power of individuals, coming together to tell their leaders what they believe in, can make the politicians make the big decisions that will make the lasting difference. Politicians respond to public opinion and public opinion needs to be heard more loudly and clearly in the next few weeks than it has ever been before. The Long Walk to Justice will culminate on the eve of the G8 Summit on Wednesday 6th July with the final mass moment before the eyes of the world turn to those 8 men in that 1 room – one final chance to say now is the time, this is the year, YOU can make poverty history.” Said Geldof.

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