New Team Garmin skipper takes over

The new Team Garmin skipper Mark Burkes has officially taken over from Leg 3 skipper, Ben Bowley after the yacht's arrival into Albany in the early hours Friday.

Mark Burkes, 48, from Worcestershire, UK, (pictured left with Ben Bowley) circumnavigated the globe in the Clipper 2011-12 Race as a watch leader, and additionally qualified person, and has recently worked as a training skipper for the Clipper Race. 

In addition Mark competed in the Fastnet Race, 2009 and 2011; Cowes Week 2010; Warsash Spring Series 2010, 2011; Warsash Winter Series 2010 and the Swan World Cup, Puerto Cervo 2002. He has also worked as a cruising instructor for six years on a part-time basis. 

Mattias Daldborg, Garmin's MarComms Manager Marine in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, said: “It’s with great excitement and pleasure we welcome Mark Burkes as the new Team Garmin skipper. With Mark’s wide experience in sailing and racing, we really looking forward to see him take the helm and lead the fantastic crew of Team Garmin to future victories”. 

Mark relieves Clipper Race Chief Instructor Ben Bowley who took the helm temporarily for Race 4 after the original skipper left the race in Cape Town.