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In 1966, whilst still serving with The Parachute Regiment, Chay Blyth embarked on an adventure which would set his life on a completely new course.

Together with Capt John Ridgeway he rowed the Atlantic in, English Rose III, a 20ft open dory in 92 days. The epic voyage captured the imagination of a nation and a new hero was born.

Many adventures followed but the first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe from east to west against the prevailing winds and currents aboard British Steel in 1971/72 consolidated his position as the outstanding seaman of his generation.

In 1973/74 with a crew of paratroopers he embarked on the Whitbread Around the World Race aboard Great Britain II taking line honours. With Rob James aboard Brittany Ferries GB he won the two handed Transatlantic Race in 1981 setting a new record for the event.

He won The Round Britain and Ireland Race on “Brittany Ferries GB” in 1982 with Rob James.

In 1984 on Beafeater II whilst attempting to break the record from New York to San Francisco with Eric Blunn he was rescued after 19 hours in the water after capsizing off Cape Horn.

In 1986 on board Virgin Atlantic Challenger II he took the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing with Richard Branson.

Chay Blyth

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Sir Charles Blyth, CBE, BEM (born 14 May 1940), known as Chay Blyth, is a Scottish yachtsman and rower. He was the first person to sail non-stop westwards around the world (1971), on a 59-foot boat called British Steel.