Marine electronics manufacturer Raymarine is providing an integrated navigation, radar, autopilot, and information technology system to Exercise Mercury Challenge, a major British Army Sailing expedition.

Taking place between June 2006 and June 2007, the expedition will see more than 100 serving members of the Royal Corps of Signals taking part in a circumnavigation of the globe on a Challenge 67 yacht. The Mercury Challenge is being completely refitted with the latest Raymarine equipment in preparation for its 33,000 mile journey. The easterly route will take the crew past some of the world’s most notorious and spectacular waters, including the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn.

The yacht will also compete in the Sydney to Hobart Race and Antigua Race Week. The Challenge 67 has been provided by the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre and is being equipped with Raymarine’s ST290 instrument systems, and Raymarine autopilot. There will be a choice of multifunction screens on board including the E120 and E80, which will be used to display and repeat vital information on board.

RayTech 6, Raymarine’s advanced navigation software suite, will be used for route planning, tide and current database, and advanced weather forecasting. With its ability to integrate with the radar, instruments, chart plotters and autopilot, RayTech 6 will provide a valuable planning and navigation tool during the voyage. Major Mark Butler, who is in overall command of the expedition says, “We are delighted that Raymarine is able to support this expedition, with its international network of support agents.

There will be nine changes of the fourteen-strong crew during the voyage, and it is vital that every member can quickly and easily use the navigation and electronics systems on board. Raymarine’s equipment is easy to use, and quick to operate, and above all, reliable – and this will certainly be the type of journey that will put it to the extreme test.”

Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager at Raymarine said, “We wish the expedition good luck on this journey. As well as sailing through some pretty inhospitable waters, the crew are putting themselves up against some of the world’s top racing yachts in the Sydney Hobart race. They will find the speed and accuracy of the navigational data available vital to help them make the best race decisions for course, speed, and tide – wherever they are in the world.”