Hall of fame wind-surfer Nevin Sayre completed his ‘Round the Island wing foil sail on Saturday, Sept. 5, as part of an effort to raise money for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, in record time. His journey was completed in four hours and 18 minutes, 34 minutes faster than his time last year and a new personal record.

Since Mr. Sayre first started his ‘Round the Island venture three years ago, he has helped raise over $150,000 for the organization, which provides vital social services to Vineyarders. 

“There are a lot of fantastic and worthy charities on the Island, but this is the one that affects Islanders,” said Mr. Sayre. “One in every four Islander takes services from Martha’s Vineyard Community Services. So, this is the one that really benefits Islanders.”

Mr. Sayre said he is confident that this year his efforts will raise over $60,000, coming from nearly 200 donors. 

“The support from the Island behind this financially is mind blowing,” said Mr. Sayre, who added that about halfway through his journey, he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to finish. Just before 1 p.m., he was about one mile off Squibnocket when the wind died. 

At first, Mr. Sayre waited patiently, drinking some water and eating a power bar, while considering his options. He was prepared to wait at least an hour before calling off the journey entirely. But not long after, enough wind returned for him to generate the power he needed to finish the journey. He eventually made landfall at Inkwell Beach where he started out over four hours prior.

“It was just a blessing that the wind came back because when it dropped, I thought, oh gosh, here I am halfway around, and it might be over,” said Mr. Sayre. “But, the stars aligned, the wind gods cooperated and sent me on my way.”

“The record is not important,” Mr. Sayre added. “It’s the fact that I made it and the fact that we raised so much money.” 

Patrick Ramage, who provided assistance to Mr. Sayre, commended his friend’s perseverance.

“Nevin, even when exhausted, just conveys an incredible amount of energy and optimism,” said Mr. Ramage. “The generosity that he brings to this each year, both in terms of his physical output, obviously, but in accessing his network and encouraging donations, is really impressive.”