The Great British Rib Rally
Ever fancied doing something just a little bit out of the ordinary? I guess we all dream of doing something that makes people really sit up and take notice.
Let's phrase this a different way though: Ever fancied pounding across the waves at a hair raising speed competing in an 1,850 mile test of endurance?
Now that's not something that your average RYA member is all that keen on, but for RYA Gold Member Chris Strickland, that's pretty much run of the mill. Chris has signed up to take part in the Great British RIB Rally, which kicked off on Saturday 12 June from Portland and takes the eleven entrants on a helter skelter course around Britain and Ireland.
No stranger to speed
Chris is no stranger to adventure, or speed, having already smashed the record for this trip in 2005, with a Round Britain and Ireland circumnavigation which took only 72 hours to cover the 1,900 nautical miles, and that included rounding the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda and the Shetland Isles.
We caught up with him on the eve of his adventure:
How will this compare with your 2005 record breaking trip?
“This time we’re looking forward to a holiday by comparison but it will mean putting to sea in almost any weather to complete each leg. We could be at sea for 4 hours or 14 hours, depending on the length of the individual stage and the sea state.”
What attracted you to enter The Great British RIB Rally 2010?
"Circumnavigating the UK in all weather as over the 12 days we will not have the benefit of picking ideal conditions for each leg.
What’s your normal day job?
M.D.of C&C Electrical Wholesale Ltd. in Windsor and HMS Marine Ltd. Boldre.
Have you ever done anything this adventurous before?
Yes I first went Round Britain with Alan Priddy in 1999, and set a World Record for Round Britain and Ireland in 2005. There is more information about Team Seahound and records held on http://www.seahoundracing.com
Which part of the Rally are you most looking forward to?
The West Coast of Ireland and being able to stop off and enjoy the Irish hospitality. Apart from re- fuelling in Kilrush on the Round Britain and Ireland record run I have never been to Southern Ireland in a boat.
What are you going to miss most during the Rally?
Not being in Brighton to cheer Helen my wife home as she is entering the London to Brighton bike ride in aid of The British Heart Foundation. We will all be in (hopefully) Newcastle.
What’s your favourite thing about your RIB?
Being able to use the loo, take a hot shower and sleep on board. Some of the joys of a Scorpion Sting.
Are you fund raising for charity and if so, which one and why?
We are fundraising for The Oakhaven Hospice as they are in my home town of Lymington.
With that, we left Chris to tinker with his tappets and prepare for a back breaking, awe inspiring trip around the British Isles. if you'd like to support Chris' worthy cause, click here.