Full steam ahead for round the world record attempt

Each driveshaft unit measures 16in long, with a 4in diameter shaft and 8in diameter flanges. Each shaft weighs 80kg, and takes two people to lift. Centa is an expert in providing practical solutions to complex drive problems and this is just one example that highlights their capability in the marine industry.

Team Britannia’s £2.9 million round the world record bid hopes to shave up to seven days off the current record of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes, which is presently held by New Zealander Pete Bethune. The attempt will be made in a new ‘torpedo’ boat that will pierce the waves, rather than surfing them. Coupled to its super-efficient design, a variant of the ‘fast displacement hull’, this will reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and make the 24,000 mile trip significantly smoother.

Team Britannia reports that it has been a frustrating few months, however. Construction of the round-the-world eco-boat is well under way, with all the frames and stringers in place, while a team of welders are busily fixing the hull plates into position. There have been a number of times when construction work ground to halt on the project, as new drawings from the designers were presented, revisions took place and improvements made, necessitating additional metal to be cut.

What this means is that the final phase of the build – kitting out the boat and wrapping the 80ft mono-hull has not yet started. And although all of the issues are now resolved, the chances of being at the opening of the Southampton Boat Show are looking remote. The boat will however sail to Monaco in time of the start of the world famous boat show at the end of September and will become a floating stand for supporters from the marine sector – showcasing everything from the top of the range drive shafts to the latest navigational equipment.

In the meantime work on selecting the final crew, medicals, confirming provisions and the massive logistics operation continues.