Gipsy Moth IV and Conrad Humphreys Racing make
young man’s dream come true
Monday 7th August 2006
Peter Heggie, 18 from Plymouth, has always dreamed of a career on the ocean. After completing leg 1 of the Gipsy Moth IV voyage, he has received his first big break thanks to Gipsy Moth IV’s Ocean’s Advisor, Conrad Humphreys.
Peter has been given a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience with Conrad Humphreys at his sports marketing and performance improvement company, Conrad Humphreys Racing. Peter first met Conrad during the Gipsy Moth IV departure celebrations in Plymouth back in September 2005 when Conrad consulted with the project team in his capacity as Oceans Advisor and also spoke at the Gipsy Moth IV departure dinner.
Upon returning from his first real taste of life at sea, Peter continued with his sixth form studies but realised he wanted to return to the ocean and pursue a career in the marine industry.
Peter said, “After returning from my leg on Gipsy Moth IV, I continued studying for my A-Levels but knew a life on the ocean was what I really wanted. At the Gipsy Moth IV crew re-union I got Conrad’s contact details from the UK Sailing Academy. I sent him an e-mail asking for advice on getting into ocean racing and he offered me work experience for the summer with his company Conrad Humphreys Racing.”
Peter begins a course in Merchant Shipping at the University of Plymouth in September and plans to continue working for Conrad at weekends and during his holidays, gaining valuable experience and building his skill set. Conrad, who became the youngest skipper to win the BT Global Challenge in 2001 and the fifth British person to successfully complete the Vendee Globe is providing Peter with the opportunity to work with his Extreme 40 crew, looking after corporate clients and helping with the logistical support. Commenting on his experiences so far, Peter said,
“It’s been awesome, Conrad’s currently looking for a new title sponsor for his Extreme 40 and 2008 Vendee Globe campaign, so I have been helping out with corporate sailing days and preparing the boat for racing. The Extreme 40 is a lot faster than Gipsy Moth IV but without Gipsy Moth IV I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now!”
Conrad has been very impressed with Peter’s focus and eagerness to learn, he said,
“I am really keen for Peter to continue with what he started on Gipsy Moth IV and give him experience in the industry. As Peter will be based in Plymouth while he studies for his degree, he will be a real asset to the team as he continues to gain qualifications and experience.”
Conrad Humphreys Racing has a mission to inspire young people to ‘get the most out of life’, and like the Gipsy Moth IV Project see the adventures of ocean sailing as an educational and inspirational platform for young people. This year Conrad Humphreys Racing is launching a number of initiatives to help achieve this aim.
Gipsy Moth IV is currently en-route to Hamilton Island after leaving UKSA’s Australian base in Mooloolaba where there were a host of events to celebrate the yacht’s visit. Gipsy Moth IV is due to arrive back in Plymouth on the 28th May 2007, 40 years to the day since Sir Francis Chichester returned from his record breaking voyage.
Ends.
Further information
David Green - CEO UKSA
07970 628439
dgreen@uksa.org
Anna Symcox - PR Manager
07709 485674
anna.symcox@uksa.org
return to main press release page
NOTE TO MEDIA
For further press information, please contact:
Anna Symcox
PR Manager & PA to the CEO
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 203016
Fax: +44 (0) 1983 295938
Mob: +44 (0) 7709 485674
Email: anna.symcox@uksa.org
Web: www.uksa.org |
|
For photography, please visit our gallery.
United Kingdom Sailing Academy
UKSA is recognised as the world’s leading Sailing Academy. It is a registered charity and non – profit making organisation supported by the Lister Trust. Based in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight it has superb, modern facilities with residential accommodation and operates a fleet of over 300 craft. UKSA provide a wide range of courses aimed at adults, young people and the disabled. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is Patron to the Academy and Dame Ellen MacArthur, Nick Moloney and Shirley Robertson OBE are their Ambassadors.
Yachting Monthly
Gipsy Moth IV's second world voyage celebrates the 100th birthday of leading marine publication Yachting Monthly magazine and the 40th anniversary of Sir Francis' celebrated single-handed voyage.
Isle of Wight
Gipsy Moth supported through the Inspire Project.The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership, is proud to support Gipsy Moth IV, as title sponsor under the banner of our ‘Inspire’ project. Gipsy Moth is carrying the new Isle of Wight branding around the world to promote the Isle of Wight as a top destination for business, tourism and lifestyle.
Through support from the Inspire project, 120 young Isle of Wight people will have the opportunity to attend a two day residential activity and sailing course at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy. During this course 15 young people will be selected to fly out and join Gipsy Moth as crew and sail her from one of her global destinations to the next, giving them the opportunity to visit places such as New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Bali, Phuket and many others.
Gipsy Moth is the ideal vehicle to promote the Isle of Wight as she epitomises the spirit of adventure that we have here on the Isle of Wight
IWEP Contact:
Pippa Phillips: +44 (0)1983 535819 Email pippa.phillips@iwep.com or visit http://www.iwep.com
Corum Swiss Timepieces official time keeper for the Gipsy Moth IV Project
return to main press release page
