Ben Fogle record bid

Fastest circumnavigation of the British Isles challenge

Fastest circumnavigation of British Isles

TV personality Ben Fogle is hoping to break the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the British Isles.

The attempt will be made this summer by SUNUS Ocean Racing (SOR) using a Spectre 32R, a production powerboat based on the proven 31ft Phantom hull. Two Mercury Racing Verado 400R outboard engines give the boat a top speed just shy of 100mph, making it one of the UK’S fastest production leisure craft.

Ben Fogle will be the team’s expedition navigator during the 2,000nm challenge that includes the west coast of Ireland. The boat will be skippered by racer Tom Montgomery-swan along with navigator Michal Galczewski and engineer Ben Allen from Mercury dealer Barrus.

The team hopes to set a time of 60 hours at an average speed of over 45mph to break the current record of 73 hours held by Seahound V, a 10m Scorpion RIB. The attempt is helping to raise awareness and funding for stillbirth charities, a cause personal to two of the team.