Royal boost for Team Britannia round-the-world bid

Racing

The Team Britannia project to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat has received back from the Endeavour Fund

The Royal Foundation’s Endeavour Fund has thrown its support behind Team Britannia and their attempt to break the round the world speed record for a powerboat.

The charitable fund was set up in 2012 in honour of Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s efforts to support the recovery of wounded servicemen and women.

As part of this partnership Team Britannia’s crew will include up to four former soldiers on each of the seven legs of the 24,000-mile trip.

Alan Priddy (pictured right), the man behind Team Britannia, said that involving wounded servicemen and women was something he’d hoped to achieve ever since the project began back in 2014.

“Even with these life-changing injuries there is still that incredible can-do attitude, their passion and tenacity,” he said.

“We want to harness this as we prepare to take back the round the world powerboat record for Great Britain.”

Mr Priddy also stressed that the former servicemen and women will not simply be passengers, but important members of the crew who will do their fair share of hard work.

Selection will take place over the next three months, and the potential crewmembers will undergo an intensive testing regimen overseen by former army captain Stuart Croxford.

Harry Holt, chairman of the Endeavour Fund, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women selected to be a part of this team to using sport and adventurous challenges as part of their recovery and rehabilitation.

“But more than that, this amazing challenge will provide them with skills and experience they need for a better onward transition.”

Team Britannia plans to set off from Gibraltar on October 23 in an 80ft monohull powerboat with the aim of shaving seven days off the current circumnavigation record of 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes.