A COMBERBACH man has captained a crew, that braved the elements to finish eighth out of 17 teams in the largest corporate sailing event in the world.

John Brighouse, of Reedsmere Walk, faced severe weather conditions in the first round of the Industry Sailing Challenge.

He and his crew from glass company Pilkington contended with gusty force seven winds of up to 40 knots to complete the challenge successfully.

The Industry Sailing Challenge, now in its 17th year, has become a definitive sporting event in which to compete against other businesses and attracts all types of entrant.

This year's event, following the format of four initial challenge rounds, sailed around the Solent taking the teams non-stop around the Isle of Wight twice.

The Pilkington team faced tough odds and crews were restricted to a minimum of six people making racing harder as Sunsail 37 yachts usually race with a crew of eight.

However the real test came when high winds began to make sailing conditions increasingly difficult.

John said: "Things were getting very rough out there to say the least.

"We were surfing waves up to 10 feet high as we rounded St Catherine's Point, south of the Isle of Wight and we saw a catamaran capsize about six miles south of us.

He added: "Much to our relief the race was curtailed at one circuit rather than two shortly after that. We certainly agreed with that decision."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk