Avon Tyres goes sailing around Britain

Avon Tyres is backing an entry in what is considered to be one of the toughest and most challenging endurance tests in ocean racing, the Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race.

Charles Ivill, the Managing Director of ETB (Exhaust Tyres and Batteries Ltd), and his crew of 10 are taking on the challenge, which commences this morning, along with an international fleet of 30 yachts.

The boat, a Grand Soleil 54, named John B, will have to negotiate the vagaries of the tides and notoriously fickle weather during their nonstop, high speed voyage.

The race, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, is contested over a 1,802 nautical mile course, will test the seamanship of participants to the extremes of their ability, taking up to 11 days to complete.

On the prospect of competing for the first time in this event, Charles Ivill said, “The Sevenstar Race is going to be a huge challenge for all competing and we’re delighted to be backed by Avon Tyres. Among the 30 odd yachts involved, some of these are world class boats, crewed by international standard sailors. We’ll have our work cut out for us, but having achieved a recent class win, we hope to be in the mix.

“We are raising money for the Ellen MacArthur Trust, whose aim is to empower children suffering from Cancer or Leukaemia by introducing them to the joys of sailing on the sea. It’s an excellent and thoroughly deserving cause.”

To keep abreast of how Charles and the rest of the field fare during the race, visit sevenstar.rorc.org.

For more information about Avon Tyres, visit avon-tyres.co.uk