An intrepid pair of fundraisers have been crowned Guinness World Record breakers for the longest distance sailed in a double-handed dinghy.
Royal Navy seaman Phil Slade and Ministry of Defence employee Mark Belamarich sailed 572 km from Plymouth's Sail Training Centre on Plymouth Sound to Whale Island in Portsmouth.
The pair, who were tracked by a satellite device and a Guinness World Records support team, beat the current record of 555.6 km – the equivalent of crossing the Channel twice – in a basic, unmodified 14ft Bosun Class dinghy.
The challenge, which took more than three days to complete, took place in June in aid of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). To date the pair have raised nearly £2,500 – just shy of their £3,000 target.
"It is a relief to have the record finally confirmed," said Phil, who works with 30 Commando Information Group at Royal Marines Stonehouse, managing the sailing centre.
"It has been agony waiting; always asking did we or didn't we break the record. We couldn't be happier with the news. It has made all the pain worthwhile."
Guinness World Records verified the details officially with the following wording: "The world record for the longest distance sailed in a double-handed dinghy is 572.73 km (355.88 mi; 309.25 nautical miles) which was achieved by Phil Slade and Mark Belamarich (both UK) who sailed from Plymouth to Portsmouth via France, between 14-17 June 2016."
On October 7 the pair celebrated alongside friends and colleagues at the RNRM Camber Sailing Centre, where they were presented with their Guinness World Records and congratulated by Major Steve O'Sullivan from the Royal Marines.
Major O'Sullivan said: "This [the Guinness World Record] was completed in the great
tradition of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
"They overcame adversity, doubts of others and all that the sea and wind could throw at them to prove nothing is impossible if you are determined and skilled enough and forge a great partnership."
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