Tony Bullimore - trying for another record

by BW Media on 4 Aug 2009 You can't keep a good 70-year-old down. Tony Bullimore, 70 this year, the British sailor famous for having survived five days capsized in Antarctica and been finally saved by the Australian Navy, is about to try for another sailing record.

On his 102ft catamaran, The Spirit of Antigua, which was formerly called Doha 2, he 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*. It was set way back in 2007 by 2007 by Mike Slade in ICAP Leopard. Tony is not able to join the Fastnet itself, as it does not allow catamarans.

He will be leaving on the morning of the 9th August and aims to arrive at Mayflower Marina in Plymouth by the evening of the 10th. (For those of you in the area, he is happy for berth holders to come and see the boat while at Mayflower Marina and plans to remain in Plymouth for several days.)

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 which spans 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.

Mayflower Marina, which is mostly owned by berth holders, is happy to host Bullimore. Managing Director Charles Bush commented: 'We recently invested £2.5m into the marina to attract sailors such as Tony and we hope it will not be that last time he stays with us.'

For further information please visit: www.teambullimore.com