GREAT Britain

Skipper Simon Talbot was encouraged into sailing by his parents who both served in the Royal Navy and has always dreamed of completing a circumnavigation. Racked up second place in Leg one of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from the UK to Brest, France and in late October, scored victory in the 3600 nautical mile leg from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town South Africa, finishing nearly three hours ahead of second placed Henri Lloyd.

Crew includes British violinist, Gil Sharpe, 73 who is also the oldest female crew member and second oldest person taking part in the Clipper race. She was the first female violinist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and wanted an extreme adventure.

Ollie Phillips is an England International Rugby Sevens player who previously captained the team. He is taking on the challenge as he recovers from injury and hopes to lead the England Rugby Sevens team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Kirsty Norris, 31, has worked at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. as well as doing voluntary work in Kenya.  

The GREAT Britain project and Clipper Race partnership is promoting British trade and tourism and is leading an Olympic legacy campaign. The GREAT campaign is the most ambitious international marketing program the British Government has ever run. It aims to showcase the very best of Britain to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK.

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