YEOVILTON LIFE: Engineer sails around Britain and Ireland in record time

AN engineer from RNAS Yeovilton has helped to set a new record for a yacht race.

Air engineering technician Meirion Stenner was the only military member of the Team Endeavour crew who sailed Artemis into the record books.

The crew competed in the Seven Stars Round Britain and Ireland race in five days, 14 hours and 16 seconds – breaking the previous record set by the yacht Safran in 2011 by more than 19 hours.

AET Stenner said: “I am very proud of my achievement and still can’t believe I have a world record.”

Amazingly, the 36-year-old has only been sailing for about a year.

AET Stenner, who comes from Bridgend in South Wales, added: “I have boxed since I was eight and before joining the Navy was a scaffolder, so I have ridiculous strength and stamina in my shoulders, which is why I was chosen.”

Artemis was skippered by Brian Thompson and the crew included Michael Ferguson, Oliver Young, Cheng Ying Kit and Pete Cumming.

PHOTO – TOP: AET Meirion Stenner, right, with Artemis skipper Brian Thompson.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Artemis during the race. Photo courtesy of Rick Tomlinson.

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