Jonathan’s set for sailing challenge of a lifetime

Eton’s Jewish Studies tutor has decided to undertake the challenge of a lifetime – by sailing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean as he aims to raise £35,000 for Shaare Zedek.

Jonathan Paull sets off from Gran Canaria, off the coast of West Africa, on Sunday, with the aim being to reach the West Indies in three weeks’ time.

The furthest distance he’s ever embarked upon – he began sailing as a 13-year-old – the 53-year-old New West End synagogue member said: “There’s great anticipation ahead of the challenge, we’re spending this week putting together the final preparations and are looking forward to beginning the challenge. My only concern is that something will break on the boat.

Taking on the challenge in memory of his mother, he said: “I’m doing it with deepest gratitude and in support of Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, whose staff cared with such dedication for my mother in her last few weeks, with the aim of raising money for a cause that was close to my mother’s heart – the development of a mother’s milk facility in the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit at Shaare.”

Keeping a kosher boat, Jonathan will be sailing with three others, his cousin Paul Newham and two sailors from Sweden and Norway, and with no kosher meat available, will be feasting on fish, pasta and salads.

Running a daily blog, and communicating with via satellite telephone, he will also be making an appearance during Shaare Zedek’s FIFA Evening, where former FA Chairmen, David Bernstein and Lord Treisman will be involved in a Q&A session, updating them on the first three days of his trek.

Anyone wishing to donate can visit Jonathan’s fundraising page at:

YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON HIS DAILY BOLG AT: