Stratford skipper to represent Garmin in round the world race - The Stratford Observer

Stratford skipper to represent Garmin in round the world race

Stratford Editorial 14th Jul, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

STRATFORD’S Ashley Skett will skipper the Garmin yacht – a second-time team sponsor in the Clipper 2015/16 Round the World Yacht Race – following the brand’s successful sponsorship in the last edition of the ocean adventure.

The 31-year-old and his crew will represent the world’s leading manufacturer of navigation and electronics products in the automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and fitness markets.

Skett and the race’s crew and skippers will use and test Garmin products such as its marine navigation equipment, VIRB action cameras and fitness trackers during the 40,000-mile circumnavigation.

He said: “For me personally, being associated with the Garmin brand is exciting. When I’m not sailing, I enjoy so many outdoor activities like climbing and kayaking, so I already know the benefits of their satellite and recording devices across the sailing and leisure industries.”




The company is also the official marine electronics partner of the world’s longest ocean race, which starts on August 30 from London.

Chairman and founder of the Clipper Race, legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, added: “We are happy to welcome back Garmin for a second race edition.


“The majority of people using Garmin’s products are ordinary people who benefit from the technology which allows them to do what they love – explore the world safely. This aligns perfectly with who our crew are – ordinary people setting out to achieve extraordinary things on the race of their lives.”

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the world’s longest ocean adventure and is also regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. At 40,000 miles and taking almost a year to complete, it consists of 12 teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing.

It is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

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