Team Britannia

Team Britannia will refuel in Manzanillo

Team Britannia’s 80ft eco-powerboat had originally planned to stop in Acapulco to take on fuel and stores, but following a meeting between Team Principal Alan Priddy and the global shipping, logistics and marine services provider, the GAC Group, a decision was taken to amend the voyage route.

The change in refueling stops will help to even out the distances between the seven stops on the 23,000 mile record attempt.

Mr Priddy commented: “This is good news for the project. Moving this stop, our second, to the north even by a few hundred of miles will allow us to run faster from Puerto Rico to Manzanillo and then once we have pitted on to Honolulu.

“We could only make this change because of the reach and expertise that GAC have in Mexico and around the rest of the world. 9,000 employees in 300 offices in 50 countries mean we can pick the stops we feel will benefit the record attempt.”

Team Britannia signed a partnership agreement with GAC Pindar Superyacht Services last month at their office in Southampton. Since then Mr. Priddy and Superyacht Services Manager, Murray Bishop have been finalising the extensive ship agency, husbandry and logistics operation in support of Team Britannia’s record attempt, which gets underway from Gibraltar in October.

Team Britannia will launch the British designed and built vessel at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2016. It will then commence sea trials, which will include sailing from London to Monaco, arriving in time for the famous boat show.

After the Monaco Boat Show, the boat will travel to Gibraltar, for a final programme of sea trials. At this point the boat will also be “stripped” of all luxury items.

Finally on 23rd October 2016, after a weeklong nautically-themed festival in Gibraltar, Team Britannia will set off on their world record attempt from the famous racing mark at Europa Point.

To complete the record attempt the boat must pass through the Suez and Panama Canals, cross the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator and start and finish in the same place. The world record authorities, UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) have approved Team Britannia’s proposed route, which will start in Gibraltar and call at Puerto Rico, Manzanillo, Honolulu, Guam, Singapore, Oman and Malta to take on fuel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Team Britannia is a multi-million pound British bid to design and build the fastest and most fuel efficient semi-wave slicing powerboat to circumnavigate the globe for the much-coveted UIM world record, currently held by the New Zealander Pete Bethune at 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes.

The World Record Authorities (UIM) dictate that for a recognised circumnavigation the craft has to pass through the Suez and Panama Canals, cross the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, and must start and finish the journey in the same place.

The boat is a completely new design from Professor Bob Cripps, former Technical Director of VT Halmatic. It has been designed in the UK and will be constructed in the Portsmouth area out of marine-grade aluminium. It encompasses “an exceptionally efficient hull”, which will cut fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.

In addition to the design the vessel will be powered by a revolutionary fuel emulsion, a mixture of diesel, water and emulsifying agent from Clean Fuel Ltd. This will reduce harmful emissions such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.

The effects of the emulsified fuel on the engines and the emissions will be monitored for the duration of the voyage and the results published online.

The boat is being built by the Aluminium Boatbuilding Company based in Hampshire, out of marine-grade aluminium. The metal was produced by using recycled metals and cut by specialist firm Aalco in Southampton.

The boat will also showcase nearly a dozen leading marine companies, which are supporting the project with their expertise and equipment.

Team Britannia will launch their record bid on 23rd October 2016 from Europa Point in Gibraltar.

Boat specifications:
Length – 80 feet
Internal beam – 13 feet
External beam – 19 feet
Draft – 30 inches
Material – Marine grade aluminium, including nearly 12km of framing
Hull thickness – 8mm
Build weight – 15 tonnes
Range 4,000 nautical miles
Engines – Two customised Fiat Power Train C13 500, 6 cylinders
Power – Each engine is capable of generating 500HP at 2,000 RPM
Water jets – Two Castoldi turbo drive 490 HC
Fuel – Emulsified diesel (diesel, water and a unique emulsion developed by Clean Fuel and its partners)
Navigation station – Raymarine
Crew – 12

About GAC Group
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services. Emphasising world-class performance, a long-term approach, innovation, ethics and a strong human touch, GAC delivers a flexible and value-adding portfolio to help customers achieve their strategic goals.

Established since 1956, the privately-owned group employs over 9,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.

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About GAC Shipping
GAC Shipping is a global leader in ship and hub agency services, representing more than 3,500 customers and handling as many as 75,000 jobs annually.

GAC Shipping offers ship owners, operators, charterers and management companies a wide range of integrated specialised services, from husbandry services including supply of spares, bunkers and provisions to canal & straits transits, weather routing and maritime training solutions. It also acts as correspondent for most international group P&I clubs.

About GAC Logistics
GAC Logistics meets the global needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers for efficient supply chain and logistics. Its comprehensive portfolio includes multi-modal freight services, contract logistics, warehousing & distribution, land transportation, ship spares logistics, and international moving.

Experienced in serving diverse sectors including apparel, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, automotive parts, electronics, entertainment and energy, GAC Logistics delivers flexible services tailored to the unique needs of each customer.

About GAC Marine
GAC Marine provides a comprehensive range of marine transportation services to the offshore industry. Its vessels and crew provide full offshore support including anchor handling, project cargo transportation, platform supply, crew changes and supplies, as well as rig moves and tug & barge operations.

GAC Marine’s growing fleet includes anchor handling tugs, crew boats, tow tugs, barges, utility vessels and landing craft. Compliant with international safety standards, GAC Marine has an established track record in serving major oil, exploration and construction companies. GAC Marine Abu Dhabi’s fully equipped yard can also provide tailor made solutions according to customer requirements.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alistair Thompson of Media Intelligence Partners
alistair@mippr.co.uk | 07970 162 225