Team Britannia's world record bid postponed

Team Britannia’s round the world record bid has been put off until ‘early next year’ due to technical problems

Team Britannia’s round the world record bid has been put off until ‘early next year’ due to technical problems.

Heartbroken team leader Alan Priddy cancelled the planned October 23 launch from Gibraltar and described the move as a hard day for the project and for the 100 men and women involved in it.

“I’ve been living and breathing this project for five years and we were flying’” he said.

“The boat was taking shape and everything was on track for the start later this month. All the kit and equipment we needed is on site waiting to be installed, including the engines, Castoldi jets and high tech communications and navigation equipment from,” he said.

The technical problem has arisen with the two stern hull plates which will have to be recut.

“Having been advised that it could take several weeks before the new plates arrive… I have reluctantly taken the decision to delay the record bid until early next year.”

The boat is now expected to be launched in November, missing its all-important weather window.

The boat has to complete an essential programme of sea trials to ensure it exceeds all safety requirements before setting off on the 23,000 mile voyage.

Gibraltar-based meteorologist Steph Ball is advising on all weather-related matter. A preliminary look at the data indicates that the next window for the record attempt will be early next year.

Sea trials that will include breaking the unsupported round Britain record. “We will also be able to fly the flag in more places, visiting the London Boat Show and other major industry events around Europe,” said Alan.

The boat was designed by former technical director of VT Halmatic, Professor Bob Cripps. It’s designed to slice the waves, rather than surf them, with its variant of the fast displacement hull.

This reduces fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent and should make the 23,000 mile trip smoother.

It’s powered by a revolutionary fuel emulsion developed by Clean Fuel Ltd. The mixture of diesel, water and emulsifier reduces harmful emissions such as particulate matter and NOx.

Inside the boat will be the latest radar, safety and communications equipment.

“We always knew that there was the possibility of a delay, after all we are building a boat that will have to stand up to the toughest imaginable conditions, so it is vital to get the boat 100 per cent right before we set off,” said Alan.