ALAN PRIDDY'S PROJECT STARTS HERE
Monday 4th April saw Alan Priddy and his team take the first steps towards the construction of a unique design of powerboat for their world circumnavigation record attempt. Incorporating several naval architectural technologies based on sail boats, wave piercing powerboats and rigid hull inflatable boats, the craft is designed to ‘smash’ beyond reach the current world record of 60 days 23 hrs to a sub 50 day circumnavigation record.

This unique craft is to be named ‘Good Heart’ at the request of a world recognised sponsor currently waiting in the wings. After the record attempt it will then go around the world once again, but at a more leisurely pace, delivering a heart saving message.

However there is a great amount of work to do before these plans can be realised. In the good old days trees were cut and keels laid. Now in the 21st century fast boats are built somewhat differently. So, the build start to the whole project commenced with the delivery of the first batch of marine grade aluminium sheets for the construction of the craft.

Experts in the supply of high quality marine grade aluminium, Blackburns Metals has stepped in to help the team by providing the specialist materials for the construction. Karl Weston, the managing director of Blackburns Metals and a keen sailor himself, presented Alan with the delivery notes for the first batch of materials and signed the agreement for the continual supply during the construction phase.

Alan and the team acknowledged the help and support provided by Blackburns Metals and eagerly took delivery of the aluminium stock.

British RIB Club (BIBOA) member Andy Micklewright and his brother Stuart who own Micklewrights Structures are contracted to build ‘Good Heart’. The Micklewrights have extensive expertise in the design, manufacture and erection of all types of structural steel work and have completed several rigid hull inflatable boats in aluminium.

To read lots more about the project, the team members and the latest news visit our dedicated forum section at: Global Circumnavigation.

April 2011