Team Britannia reveals its latest crew member for record attempt

Travel journalist and photographer Clive Tully will ride the waves with ocean racing legend Alan Priddy and his team when they set off in October.

The 64-year-old is himself a multiple powerboat record-holder and now hopes to achieve the dream of beating the current round-the-world record of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes.

He accompanied Mr Priddy on all of the world record attempts on board the powerboat ‘Spirit of Cardiff’ from 1999-2003.

Mr Priddy said: ‘Clive and I are renewing a dream born in our Spirit of Cardiff record attempt in 2002 which was thwarted by a medical emergency.

‘We’re in a better position than ever to put this unfinished business to bed and I’m delighted to be reunited with Clive as we aim to make history.’

Clive said: ‘It would be an understatement to say that I am relishing the opportunity of putting Team Britannia in the history books and returning this prestigious world record back to British shores.

‘The Spirit of Cardiff adventure in 2002 may have broken 33 world records, but, as Alan says, there remains unfinished business and along with our exceptional team, this is the best opportunity we have to make history.’

Clive, who comes from Norwich, joins Hampshire-based Team Britannia as the communications officer and on-board reporter.

He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, honorary life member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild and member of Mensa.

Clive will be part of a team of 12 crewing the boat, which includes five wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women on each of the seven legs of the voyage.

The vessel – which is being built at the team’s Hayling Island HQ – has been designed to slice through the waves instead of riding over them.

This super-efficient design will slash fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent and make the 23,000 nautical mile trip smoother and faster.

The record bid begins in October in Gibraltar. To complete it the boat must pass through the Suez and Panama Canals and start and finish in the same place.

Team Britannia’s route will see the boat call at Puerto Rico, Manzanillo, Honolulu, Guam, Singapore, Oman and Malta to take on fuel.