Don't let this charity fundraiser dash by! Sign up today!
- Team OTC
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
As thoughts turn to one of the most highly anticipated watersports events in the sporting calendar, the big question on everyone's lips is will this be the year the current record is smashed? Who will be crowned as the fastest dasher? Intrepid competitive dashers step this way!
The Official Test Centre (OTC) is thrilled to announce the legendary Harbour Dash will be setting sail on the 6th or 7th of September 2025 (weather dependent) raising funds for the Will Houghton Foundation (WHF). The dash is open to sailors, windsurfers, wind foilers and wing foilers.
The Dash begins with a Le Mans-style start at Overcome beach with competitors racing across Weymouth bay into the North shipping channel of Portland Harbour, out of the East channel and back to Overcombe beach. Don't let this charity fundraiser dash by! Sign up today!
I have been really lucky to chat to Will's dad Richard Houghton who talks candidly to me about the importance of keeping his son's memory alive and Nick Dempsey, who still holds the Harbour Dash record!
By Emma Maguire.
In 2011, Olympian windsurfer Nick Dempsy broke Ade Bugler’s 20-year-old record for the Harbour dash by two minutes, clocking just over 16 minutes.
The Harbour Dash, which has been running annually for decades was founded in memory of Brian Matthews, who died in January 1986, the day after his 60th birthday.
Mr Matthews learned to windsurf in 1979, having been taught by Phil Gollop at his original set up of a few lock-ups at the end of Old Castle Road.
The concept of the Harbour Dash came about because Mr Matthews was always the first for a seafaring adventure, sailing from the harbour to Overcombe or Ringstead regularly.
Last year Simon Hiscocks sailed into first place with a time of 18 minutes 51, The OTC team rider James Faley came second 19 minutes 15 and third was Rafferty Reid with a time of 19 minutes 24. OTC team rider Finn Knight was in fourth with a time of 19 minutes 46.
Nick Dempsey said: "The Harbour Dash is a very special event, raising money for such a special charity means a lot. The race can also be very challenging. My record is just waiting to be broken, good luck to anyone taking it on!"
I was really lucky to speak to Richard Houghton, Will's dad and founder of the Will Houghton Foundation, all the money raised from The Harbour Dash goes to the life changing work of the WHF.
I started off asking Richard, The dash has become an annual fixture now what does it mean to you to have this yearly event?
Richard said: "We love any opportunity to remember and talk about Will, especially around a sport that he loved. The Dash does both perfectly."
Who does the money help that is donated?
Richard said: "We support charities across the UK that help disadvantaged young people aged 5-24 years old build confidence and self-respect through sport and education.
"We’ve been working with the brilliant Pam Govier and the Will Mackaness Trust, in partnership with OTC, for eight years, helping local young people learn to swim, sail and windsurf. It's great to see the progress the young people make and how much they enjoy it."
Will you be taking part?
Richard said: "Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’ve had a couple of light-wind years recently, so I’ve got my fingers crossed for a nice force 4!"
What would you say to someone who has never given the dash a go?
Richard said: "It's fun, challenging and safe. And you’re helping young people in Weymouth and Portland get the chance to find out just how much fun being on the water is. Come and give it a go."
The legacy in Will’s name this must mean so much to you to help so many others in his memory?
Richard said: "Losing a child changes you forever. We miss Will every single day.
"You can never have your old life back, but you can build a new, different one around the loss.
"The Will Houghton Foundation is part of our new life. Seeing young people have the opportunity to grow their confidence, and in some cases, change their lives completely, is a great tribute to Will."
There is a suggested entry donation of £25.00, with all proceeds going to WHF. To enter contact The Official Test Centre (OTC) on 07817 717904.
The WHF provides funds to UK charities that help 14-24-year-olds reach their potential through sport and education. It has been supporting the Will Mackaness Trust helping local children learn to swim and windsurf while building confidence.
Note for those taking part.. The start/finish line will be upwind of Overcombe, closer to Weymouth, so there will be no issues with the reef.
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