A?TEENAGE sailor from Petersfield has completed the 50-nautical mile JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, one of Britain’s largest participation sporting events.

Tallulah Shepherdly, who finished cancer treatment in November 2001 for bilateral wilms tumour at Southampton General Hospital, was one of 24 young people from across the UK sailing on board the Ellen MacArthur Trust’s five yachts taking part in the race, in what were considered by world-renowned yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur to be “challenging conditions” on the water.

Joined by four other young people on board the yacht Moonspray, along with Dame Ellen MacArthur, Tallulah said: “I really enjoyed it and I got on really well with everyone and crossing the finish line with Ellen was amazing.

“The sense of achievement is something I will be taking away with me.”

Moonspray and her crew completed the race in a time of nine hours, 15 minutes and 28 seconds.

Talullah is pictured (right) after finishing the Round the Island race and (above) with fellow crew members of Moonspray.