Yacht race challenge in storm brings out best in crews
15th September 2008
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Clients and staff of accountancy and investment services group Smith & Williamson received first-hand experience of what it is like to race yachts in bad weather. Nearly 80 people took part in Smith & Williamson's inaugural Clipper Challenge in gale-force winds in the Solent, with heavy seas and torrential rain. They crewed seven 68-foot round-the-world racing yachts near Portsmouth Harbour, with the winning team awarded a sail-shaped silver trophy. |
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The vessels were chartered from Gosport-based Clipper Ventures, which has a fleet of Clipper 68 yachts and skippers available for corporate hospitality.
Richard Green, who heads up the Southampton office of Smith & Williamson, said: "This was an extraordinary event, and memorable for a variety of positive reasons.
"Two storms bowled in one after the other, and the crews, all novices, rose to the challenge. There was a genuine sense of teamwork and we were humbled by the kind of conditions round-the-world sailors face almost on a daily basis."
Richard, who was on Singapore, pictured, added: "What was especially telling was that not one client cancelled when they heard about the weather warnings the previous evening. They were up for a great challenge, which took all of us out of our comfort zones."
Leeds-based solicitors Walker Morris won the Smith & Williamson Clipper Challenge on Durban following three races in the middle of the Solent between Ryde on the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Harbour.
Staff from Smith & Williamson offices in London and Salisbury also played host to clients on their respective yachts.
Note to editors
Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,500 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates. It operates from offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Glasgow, Guildford, Maidstone, North London, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester.
Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited is an independent company which works alongside Smith & Williamson to complement its specialist financial advisory services.
Smith & Williamson Investment Management is part of the Smith & Williamson group.
Smith & Williamson Limited Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.
