Team Britannia receives boost ahead of world record challenge

AN experienced powerboat racer has joined Team Britannia's efforts to race around the world in a record time.

John Sandford Hart, who holds seven world records, will step aboard the Solent side’s 80ft powerboat, which hopes to cut up to seven days off the current record of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes, held by New Zealander Pete Bethune.

Team Britannia, led by British ocean racer Alan Priddy, of Portsmouth, will use a revolutionary semi-wave slicing boat that will carve through the waves, rather than surfing them.

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The boat will be crewed by a team of 12, including up to five wounded or injured veterans, on each of the seven legs of the voyage who are being supported by the forces charity Blesma.

Mr Priddy said: ‘It is great to have a fellow powerboat racer on board our record attempt – in what must be one of the world’s ultimate powerboats.

‘John has multiple records to his name, and I hope Team Britannia’s will add to his illustrious collection.’

John, 51, of Mudeford, Dorset, who lost a leg in a race in 2002, said: ‘I cannot wait to get my hands on Team Britannia’s powerboat and get stuck in to breaking this world record.

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‘This has to be my toughest challenge yet, and it is great that I will be surrounded by ex-military crew members who are refusing to be defined by disability.’

The record attempt will start in October in Gibraltar.