Peter Harrison, Founder and Chairman of GBR Challenge, today welcomed aboard 20 of the England Cricket Team when they joined his British America’s Cup team for a sail on the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland. Darren Gough, Andrew Flintoff, Andrew Caddick and Paul Collingwood sailed onboard the two British America’s Cup training boats while over 15 other English cricketers watched their progress from the GBR Challenge hospitality boat Viking.

Andy Green, helming GBR 44 today, commented, “It was great to have a strong British presence here in Auckland today, getting two teams together from sports that have such a strong British heritage was a unique experience. We’re looking forward to returning the compliment by attending their One Day International tomorrow at Eden Park.”

Despite the wet and blustery conditions, with the wind picking up to an exciting 18-23 knots, the four cricket internationals had a go at grinding the winches and helming the 80ft boats. Darren Gough even decided to brave it up to the top of the mast, which is over 120ft high, but not before the boat was safely back in the dock!

Commenting on his experience, Gough said, “We had a really good time but it is not an easy job. I’d rather be bowling at Chris Cairns that racing on one of those boats!”

Other members of the English Cricket Team that joined GBR Challenge included Nasser Hussain, Matthew Hoggard, Marcus Trescothick, Jeremy Snape, Nick Knight, Owais Shah, Michael Vaughan, Ashley Giles, Craig White and James Foster.

Watch out for this Saturday’s BBC Grandstand feature on the GBR Challenge boys.