Mark Preedy is new Westernaustralia.com skipper

by Clipper media on 18 Mar 2006 Clipper Ventures has announced that the new skipper for westernaustralia.com is Mark Preedy, a highly-qualified and experienced sailor with an expedition background.

Mark sailed with Clipper last summer, when he joined Clipper Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston for his trip to Iceland and Greenland. Prior to that, he was skipper of a 94ft ketch conducting whale research in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean.

Mark, who is originally from Essex but now based in Somerset in the UK, also has a strong coaching background having instructed for both Clipper Ventures and UKSA for several years.

Before taking up full time sailing, the University of Wales graduate worked in e-commerce and spent three years as a police officer with the Somerset and Avon Constabulary.

The 34-year-old professional skipper is hoping to maintain and build on westernaustralia.com’s overall lead as he races with the Australian team back to Liverpool.

Speaking from the UK, as he prepares to fly out to the Philippines, Mark said: ‘I’m really looking forward to meeting the crew in a couple of days and getting the adventure underway.’

Mark will be flying out from the UK on Monday and will arrive in Subic Bay on Tuesday evening.

Event website: http://www.clipper-ventures.co.uk