Speaker Profile

A man of many achievements, Sir Charles Blyth is probably most well known for being the first person to sail single-handed non-stop in a westwards (the so-called wrong way!) direction around the world. Also known as Chay, he achieved this amazing feat in 1971 in a boat called British Steel.

Blyth joined the army at the age of eighteen and was promoted to sergeant three years later. In 1966, whilst still serving with the Parachute Regiment, Blyth, along with Captain John Ridgway, captured the imagination of the country when they rowed across the North Atlantic in ninety two days. The vessel used for this epic adventure was a 20ft open dory named English Rose III. Leaving from Cape Cod on 4th June 1966, they endured hurricanes, storms and massive waves along the way, before reaching the Aran Islands off the Irish coast around three thousand miles later.

In 1969 Chay began to make plans to sail the 'wrong way' round the world, which meant going against the prevailing winds and currents. In October 1970 he departed from Southampton in his boat British Steel, and two hundred and ninety two days later he returned as a hero. He was made a CBE in recognition of this incredible achievement.

In 1973 he skippered a crew of paratroopers aboard the boat Great Britain II, taking line honours in the 3rd stage of the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, and later on, in 1986, he took the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing with Richard Branson on board Virgin Atlantic Challenger II.

Sir Chay is now a popular after dinner speaker at events throughout the world. His unique experiences make him an excellent choice as he is able to inspire, motivate and entertain any audience.