Powerboat to circle world in bid for record

A four-man crew set off on an epic journey yesterday as they began their attempt to break the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a powerboat.

The Spirit of Cardiffdeparted from the Oval Basin in Cardiff Bayon a voyage that will cover some 25,000 miles and visit 21 countries. The skipper, Alan Priddy, 48, Clive Tully, 49, Alan Carter, 48, and the first mate, Steve Lloyd, 48, hope to complete the voyage in the bright yellow, 10-metre, diesel-powered boat in 50 days.

The record is 74 days, 20 hours and 58 minutes, set by the Cable & Wireless Adventurer between 10 April and 3 July 1998.