Chalk aiming to sail round world

OCEAN rower Simon Chalk is one of two British skippers chosen to compete in the Velux 5 Oceans round-the-world single-handed yacht race.

South Devon record-breaker Chalk, who became the first Briton to row solo across the Indian Ocean in 2003, will go head to head with an international fleet of skippers in the 30,000-mile solo race.

Fellow Brit Chris Stanmore-Major will also compete in the race, which starts from La Rochelle in France on October 17.

Chalk, 37, said: “I am delighted to be taking part in the Velux 5 Oceans.

“This is a great opportunity to extend my ocean experience, take on a new challenge and compete against some of the world’s best sailors.

“Safety and reliability will underpin my campaign.

Ocean Planet, built by American yachtsman Bruce Schwab, raced in the Velux 5 Oceans in 2002/03 as well as the 2004/05 Vendée Globe.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman of the Velux 5 Oceans, announced the skippers the GB in Cowes.

He said: “Chris and Simon are fantastic yachtsmen who have more than proven their sailing capabilities.

“It is great to have two British skippers in the race. Maybe one can be the first Briton to win a solo round the world race since I did in 1969?”