FOUR watermen will attempt to wing foil, the never done before, 55 nautical miles course around the Isle of Wight today (Thursday).

The endeavour will be attempted by world champion windsurfer Ross Williams, professional kiteboarder Sam Light, kitesurf blogster Tom Court, and foiler Tom Buggy.

Wing foiling is a new sport that is only four to five years old and is usually practised for short periods in a small area, so attempting to wing foil around the Island represents a step into the unknown.

The event, named Foil the Wight, has been organised by the Island Sailing Club, and the squadron of foilers aim to set out from Cowes around mid-morning on Thursday, September 23.

To date, there have been no wing foiling challenges held over such a distance.

Island Sailing Club said: “This really will be a test of the athletes' resolve to endure the course on little more than a sail-powered Weetabix.

“It's not been done before, and we still don't know if it's possible!”

Tom Buggy said: “We will have lots of different conditions, from big waves on the south side of the Island, tidal rips, flat water in wind shadows and some upwind sailing.”

Foil the Wight is raising money for Hasag, asbestos disease support, and in memory of Ross’s dad, Ceri Williams.

Watch Ross Williams’ interview with IOC Foil the Wight here

On Facebook, Ross said: ‘Thank you Island Sailing Club for laying down this inaugural Foil the Wight endurance event and allowing me to both challenge myself to see if I can complete a whole rounding of the Island while trying to raise funds for Hasag who kindly helped and supported my dad to the end of his battle.

‘I would really want to give back so that the next family that finds themselves in a similar situation to mine can have the opportunity to have their loved ones supported as best as possible.’

HASAG is a charity dedicated to helping people suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases throughout the South of England.

Foil the Wight has a gofundme page where you can donate in memory of Ceri Williams.

You can follow the foilers’ progress on the Foil the Wight Facebook page.