Fog, strong winds and heavy rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Pete Goss and Paul Larsen (pictured left) as they completed their qualifying passage for the two-handed Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race in lightning-quick time. See previous announcement news story here. 

Setting out from Weymouth late on Sunday night and sailing their SeaCart 30 for the first time in anger, the duo were off the Scilly Isles by lunchtime the following day.

Grabbing moments of sleep on the multihull’s windward trampolines, Pete and Paul kept the boat flying, returning to Weymouth and completing the 300-mile qualifying passage in just 24 hours – an incredibly fast time that even surprised the two-man crew.

Pete Goss talked excitedly about the trip when he returned to Weymouth to continue preparing the boat for next month’s 2,500-mile race. “The boat is fantastic,” he said. “I always felt she was good, but the last 24 hours has put the Round Britain Race in context – I think we are sitting on a real smoking rocket.”

Pete and Paul are competing in the race to raise awareness and funds for the Cornwall Playing for Success Charity, of which Pete is a founding trustee.