Skoda retailer’s hunger for success

Turner’s of Erlestoke, the Skoda retailer in Devizes, are sponsoring an employee’s adventure of a lifetime as he prepares to take part in the ‘Mount Everest’ of power boat races.

Chris Holmes will be flying the flag for Skoda when he drives the Fairy Huntsman Xanthus in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race that begins on 21 June and takes place on some of the world’s most unforgiving waters.

As part of a three man team, Chris will also be responsible for looking after the 450 horse power twin Mermaid diesel engines.

Chris faced a strict medical in preparation for the race to ensure he is fit enough to endure the exhausting conditions: “I’ve had to cut the beer down!” explains Chris, 45. “I’ve lost half a stone so there’s less weight on board and we can carry more fuel.”

As well as losing weight for the race, Chris has had to prepare mentally to face the potentially gruelling waters as racing will take place in anything up to Force 6 conditions.

“It will be very, very tough but we’re determined and have a hunger for danger. We’ve covered for every eventuality - the boat can be tracked by safety crews to within 30 feet should it capsize, so we’re concentrating on the race and not any potential mishaps,” says Chris.

“The weather can change quite rapidly when you’re out there and there’s nowhere to hide so you just have to persevere. As one leg of the race is over 210 miles we could be racing for up to 10 hours at a time.”

Xanthus, which has a top speed of 35 knots (40mph), will be racing in the Historic class and is the last boat of its kind to be built before production ceased in 1974. As this is his first such event, Chris will be glad of the experienced support of his co-drivers John Skuse, 62, and Kevin Martin, 65.

“I have owned five boats, but this will be my first race,” says Chris. “I watched a video of the first ever Round Britain Boat Race in 1969 and have been enthused by it ever since.”

“I stumbled across an online advert for a crew member, I applied and that was it, I’m on board.”

“I would like to thank my boss, Dennis Turner of Turners of Erlestoke, for allowing me time off to compete and Turner’s Skoda for sponsoring Xanthus.”

The eight day Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race starts at 9.30 am on 21 June from South Sea Castle, Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. Boats will be vying for position between stages at Plymouth, Milford Haven, Bangor (Northern Ireland), Edinburgh, Newcastle and Lowestoft before finally finishing back in Portsmouth.

Turner’s of Erlestoke are located at 39 High St., Erlestoke in Devizes, N10 5TZ and can be contacted on 01380-830268.

Progress of Chris and his crew can be tracked online at roundbritainrace.co.uk