Growing up in Otley, West Yorkshire, the sea was not close by, so Heather began her journey, dinghy sailing at a small local lake.

In 2015, Heather’s life changed forever when she was selected for a bursary to sail a leg in the 15/16 Clipper Round the World race. After completing this, she had her eyes set on becoming an offshore sailor and has since worked hard to make her dream a reality.

2024 she skippered ‘Maiden’ in the Ocean Globe Race, a race in which no modern technology is allowed and replicated the first ever crewed race around the world in 1973. She led her team to victory becoming the first all-female team to win an around the world race. This made her the first British female skipper and youngest ever female skipper to win an around the world race. She was named Sailor of the year in the British Yachting Awards 2024.

She has just returned from completing her second lap of the globe, coming third overall in the 2025-2026 Clipper Round the World yacht race, Skippering a crew of amateur sailors over an 11 month circumnavigation.

Lyndsay McClay is Founder of Seadrake and a highly regarded communications specialist with over nine years’ experience across the media and marine sectors. She specialises in public relations strategy, brand development and crisis management, supporting organisations to enhance visibility and deliver measurable results.

She is a Non-Executive Director and President of British Marine and currently serves as Chair of the British Marine South and Isle of Wight Association, playing an active role in shaping the future of the UK marine industry.

Previously Commercial Manager at Marine Industry News, Lyndsay contributed to significant business growth, including over 100% year-on-year revenue increase and expansion to a digital audience of more than 80,000 monthly users.

Recognised for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership and ability to deliver impactful communications, Lyndsay continues to support businesses in navigating change and driving sustainable growth.

Linda advises clients across the UK and internationally on disputes and commercial issues arising from the carriage of goods by sea, air and land. Her practice spans shipping, logistics and aviation matters, giving her a broad understanding of the legal and commercial challenges that can arise throughout the supply chain.

While many lawyers specialise in a single mode of transport, Linda’s experience across shipping, logistics and aviation enables her to provide practical, commercially focused advice that considers the wider trade chain. She regularly advises commercial organisations, insurers, operators, freight forwarders and transport businesses on contentious and non-contentious matters.

Tom joined SailGP in 2018 to create and develop a global youth and community initiative named Inspire. A firm believer that sailing can be used as a force for good, the inspire program focuses on three pillars; learning, racing and careers.

Prior to that Tom held a key role with the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) in May 2015 as their Community Sailing Manager, with the responsibility for setting up and launching the Endeavour program and infrastructure and designing and initiating the community sailing programme.

He’s been in Bermuda since 2011 and prior to joining the ACEA was the Sailing Director at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, which under his leadership became Bermuda’s only internationally recognised non-­profit Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-certified sailing centre.

He grew up sailing optimists & 420s competitively in Wales and later worked for the RYA participation programme; Onboard. He’s passionate about getting children on the water, revitalizing sailing for all and breaking down traditional barriers to the sport.

Among his personal achievements he lists holding the record for the first (& therefore fastest!) Optimist circumnavigation of Bermuda, in 9 hours and 29 minutes, which he completed as a fundraiser for the Bermuda Sailing Association.

Lee’s rich experience provides clients with an unrivalled insight into the fast-changing media landscape. Key deliverables from Lee include brokering deals with journalists, developing PR strategies; scripting and directing videos through to media training, crisis management, and event management.  

He is also in demand for management consultancy and motivational speaking. Lee is recognised by the European Union as an international media expert for his work on an anti-corruption behavioural campaign in Latvia. Understanding the value of collaboration, he has worked with and alongside some of the best creative agencies in the world.