Bullimore to beat

Famous capsizer to try topping Fastnet record

Tony Bullimore, the UK sailor famous for having survived five days capsized in Antarctica, will be berthing his 102ft catamaran, ‘The Spirit of Antigua’, in Mayflower Marina, Plymouth next week following an ambitious record breaking attempt.

Tony will be sailing the route of the Fastnet race in the hope of breaking its record, which currently stands at 44 hours, 18 minutes and 53 seconds. Leaving on the morning of the 9th August, Bullimore aims to be at the marina by the evening of the10th.

The Fastnet route is renowned as being both unpredictable and challenging and sees competitors sail 608 miles from Cowes, past Land's End, across the Irish Sea, around the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, and back to Plymouth via Bishop Rock.

Tony has covered an impressive 400,000 racing miles during a sailing career spanning four decades. During this time he has won the Round Britain Race, the Round Europe Race, and has twice scored class honours in transatlantic races.  Most recently he came second in the Oryx Quest 2005 in which he sailed nonstop around the world.

Despite his expertise, Tony’s fame was only secured when his 60ft yacht, Exide Challenger, capsized 500 miles from Antarctica in 1997 during the Vendee Globe. He survived for five days in the hull of his upturned yacht before being rescued by the Royal Australian Navy. He had been given just a 10% chance of survival.

For further information visit: www.teambullimore.com