Spirit of Cardiff's new record bid

The £2m Spirit of Cardiff project has records in sight

A team of four sailors are to attempt a new record setting off from Cardiff bound for Gibraltar.

The men set sail aboard the Spirit of Cardiff - a rigid inflatable power boat which they will also use in their attempt to break the round-the-world record in 2002.

The vessel is powered by a single Yamaha turbo-diesel engine, which produces 240 horse power and a top speed of over 30 knots and range of 3,600 miles.

We have been waiting for the weather to get better and now we just want to get out there and do it

Crew member Clive Tully

Back in June, the power boat set a new record for sailing around the coast of Britain, circumnavigating the coastline in five days, six hours and five minutes .

With the new record bid, the sailors will aim to sail the vessel to Gibraltar within three days.

From Gibraltar they will attempt to break a record set by the Cable and Wireless craft Adventurer for the trip to Monaco.

"The Cable and Wireless Adventurer travelled from Gibraltar to Monaco in 36 hours and 58 minutes but we aim to do that journey in considerably less time," said crew member Clive Tully.

"We have been waiting for the weather to get better and now we just want to get out there and do it."

The trip will provide the crew with an opportunity to make checks and improvements on the 50-metre long boat, which they will use for their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in under 50 days.