Having conquered two around-the-world sails, maritime legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is certain of Danny Watson’s ability to succeed in his 30in30 challenge.
The countdown is certainly on – with just one day and 13 hours left until Danny’s 800-mile run up the country from Brighton starts, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has offered his support – and encouraged people to donate whatever they are able.
Sir Robin has been a CatZero Patron since its beginnings more than 11 years ago and visited Grimsby and Hull for last year’s 10th anniversary celebrations (he is pictured here at Hull Marina with Danny). The first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, Sir Robin was the force behind the launch of Clipper Ventures and the founding of the Clipper Race – a challenge that sees ‘everyday’ people compete in a round-the-world sailing competition. He remains Chairman of Clipper Ventures.
As a twice skipper in the Clipper Race, Danny was at the helm when the Hull and Humber yacht took second place in 2007-08. It was that race that led to the formation of CatZero.
Encouraging Danny all the way on his 30-day epic challenge, Sir Robin, along with Clipper Ventures CEO William Ward OBE said:
“Running 30 marathons in 30 days in no mean feat, but Danny is no stranger to endurance events having skippered two Clipper Race teams around the world, including taking Hull and Humber to second place in the 2007-08 edition.
“CatZero is a charity close to our hearts as the project is a lasting legacy of ONE HULL’s hosting and involvement in the Clipper 2007-08 Race, ensuring the young people of Hull could also benefit from the opportunities the race brought to the area.
“I have been a Patron of CatZero since its first programme, its aim is to give disadvantaged young people from the Humber the opportunity to change their lives by taking part in an eight-week training course, including the opportunity of sailing on a 72-foot challenge yacht for eight days. The legacy recently came full circle when one of CatZero’s programme graduates, and now trainee skippers, Callum Leach, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the first stage of the Clipper 2019-20 Race.
“Since its launch CatZero’s programmes of support have diversified and increased and we are pleased to be able to support Danny in his latest fundraising effort for CatZero’s Full Families programme. Please visit the 30in30 fundraising page to find out more and donate what you can.”
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Clipper Ventures Chairman and Founder: William Ward OBE, Clipper Ventures CEO
Click here for full details of the 30in30 challenge
Donate on Danny’s 30in30 Virgin Money Giving page
Follow Danny’s journey on Instagram: dannywatsoncatzero
You can keep in touch with Danny, who is continuing his training regime, on our blogs section of the website
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