In October 1976, Ian saw an advert in the Times:
“Wanted – crew to help race Great Britain II in the 1977/78 Whitbread Round the World Race”.
He responded immediately, knowing that this was the adventure that he craved. Already a seasoned ocean sailor and yacht race skipper, he was accepted and appointed as one of the three Watch Leaders on board.
Later, in the depths of the Southern Ocean, after he took over as temporary skipper, following a nasty accident, sail handling on deck during a storm, which injured the skipper, and seriously injured another crew member, he was promoted to 1st Mate.
Great Britain II completed her circumnavigation, via the notorious Cape Horn, often racing at breakneck speeds of up to 35 knots, often amongst icebergs and often in the dark. She was damaged several times, once when knocked on her side in a ferocious storm and later, whilst passing the Falkland Islands, struck by lightning. There were several other critical moments on board.
Join him in this 45 minute illustrated talk as he recounts this thrilling adventure of a journey covering 26,000 nautical miles of perilous seas and living off mouldy bread!