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Spirit of Cardiff has suffered yet more setbacks as it continues in its attempt to break the powerboat record for circumnavigating the world. The boat has suffered a technical failure 100 miles out from Singapore in the South China Sea, and has had to limp back to Singapore for repairs. "It's very likely that the collision which wrecked our propeller also damaged the gearbox," commented skipper Alan Priddy. "But unfortunately it didn't manifest itself at the same time."
In addition, Penarth crewman Alan Carter has decided to return to the UK from Singapore, citing family and business difficulties which required his attention.
"We're sorry to see him go," said Priddy. In the meantime, he and remaining crew members Steve Lloyd and Clive Tully are undeterred, and ready to continue as a three-man crew. They have operated successfully as such on several previous record attempts, including their unique circumnavigation of the British Isles in June 2000.
"As things stand at the moment," commented Priddy, "we're on the other side of the world with a potentially large bill to get the attempt back up and running. We're a crew member down - we can live with that - but we're now short of funds to the point that we won't be able to bring the boat home. The problem is we've gone massively over budget, what with grasping officials and extra expenses caused by unexpected stopovers like this."
"You have three highly motivated and plucky individuals who have invested three years of their lives in this project. We're determined to bring this world record back to Cardiff, and we've proven that we're a good deal for any potential sponsor in the massive amount of publicity we've already generated. All we ask for is for one or two companies or Government bodies to show a similar level of faith in what we're doing."
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