Young Welsh duo circumnavigate UK on Open 30
Saturday, 04 September 2004
Sailing Maverick, Owen Clarke's first open class design, Lara Cane and Chris Mackay, both aged 22, successfully completed an arduous sailing voyage around Britain this week.

They arrived in Cardiff, the port they had started from after covering over 2000 miles as the crow flies in only 19 days. During the voyage the pair battled through some atrocious weather; fog, gale force winds and days of driving rain were all part of the daily routine. Their super fast boat had no creature comforts and little protection from the elements. As there was no self steering gear fitted for the trip it meant that one always had to be on the helm while the other tried to sleep, cook or navigate as they sailed around the clock.

The voyage was only possible by the generous loan of "Maverick" an Open 30 racing yacht by its owner Mike Johnson, sponsorship from the WKD Drink Company and Boatshed Yacht Brokers.

"Maverick", built in 1993, represented the state of the art in racing boat design when first launched, and is still described as being the fastest fastest 30 foot sailing monohull in the UK.

Lara and Chris confirmed this and described its performance as awesome, "Travelling at 14 knots in driving rain with the spinnaker up and water spraying everywhere in the middle of the night was an unforgettable experience". They were particularly pleased with the two and a half days it took them to get from Peterhead in the North of Scotland to Lowestoft in Norfolk.

They were however not in a race and so were not pressurised into compromising safety. They even took a detour to go north of the Orkney Islands as they didn't fancy the Pentland Firth in a force 6 wind in thick fog! Through the enthusiasm of Mike Johnson and their sponsors these two young people were able to keep alive the spirit of adventure and excitement that can be lacking in today's cottonwool society while at the same time developing their sailing skills to a higher level.

Designer, Merfyn Owen commented. "It's no mean achievement, to circumnavigate England Scotland and Wales without the use of an engine and with one of the worst Augusts on record for wind, fog and rain. Maverick's not known for her creature comforts ! Lara and Chris certainly deserve all the accolades they receive"

For more information Contact: Alistair Mackay

Tel 01834 843195

Web Editor's Note: Maverick is for sale and featured on the Owen Clarke website's brokerage section. Go to:

Maverick is for Sale!

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