Today Dartmouth, tomorrow the world for sailor Henry
KINGSWEAR sailor Henry Bomby has launched an eight-year plan — to race single handedly around the world.
The 21-year old is back in South Devon after a fantastic first year as a full-time solo offshore sailor.
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eight-year plan: Henry at the Royal Dart Yacht Club, Kingswear Torquil MacLeod TQ230810_TM01_03
He was one of three Britons to race in the notoriously competitive Solitaire du Figaro in France and now he has announced his most ambitious plans yet — to attempt to win the Vendee Globe in 2020.
Henry said the support he received has been fantastic.
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"I can't thank them enough for what people in Dartmouth have done for me," he said.
"During the Solitaire I had notes of support in my food bags, and so many messages via text, email, Facebook and Twitter before, during and after each leg, it was fantastic.
"I'm hoping more people will want to be part of the next big project."
The local support has been more than just messages.
Several Dartmouth businesses including the Seahorse Restaurant, Speciality Fasteners and Baltic Wharf are now backing Henry and helping towards funding.
Chef and restaurateur Mitch Tonks, from the Seahorse, said: "So many local individuals and businesses know Henry and we are constantly inspired by his achievements. This is great for the town. He is an inspiration to young people, to entrepreneurship and to sailing and I would encourage others to meet Henry and get involved."
As a young boy, Henry went to see Pete Goss' Team Philips boat being built. The way in which that project captivated the community is something Henry is keen to emulate with his plans to race around the world.
He added: "My aim for next year is to compete once again on the Figaro circuit. My long term goal, however, is to win the Vendee Globe in 2020 single handed, non-stop around the world race. It would be an absolute dream to run the campaign out of Dartmouth, wouldn't that be fantastic?
"That is where I want to get to and to have support building locally now is just amazing, especially with the race starting in over eight years time."
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