Old Pulteney Winner is a Shore Bet to Join Race

British psychologist to take on global maritime adventure…

We are delighted to announce that we are set to provide a Scarva resident with the unique opportunity to set sail this summer after crowning him the winner of our UK nationwide competition – the Old Pulteney Ultimate Sailing Experience.

The competition offered one lucky thrill-seeker the once in a lifetime chance to take to the high seas and compete in the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Tom Teggart, a 49 year old clinical psychologist from Scarva, Northern Ireland, was awarded the coveted prize and will compete on the ‘Old Pulteney’ yacht this June in the world’s longest and most challenging global sailing event. He will join our 20-strong crew for the final leg of the Clipper Race, as they sail to the finish line from New York to London, via Derry–Londonderry and Den Helder in the Netherlands.

The competition was launched in November 2013 through promotional bottles of Old Pulteney 12 Year Old and attracted over 1,300 entries. Tom was one of five finalists who was invited to attend a group interview day in Scotland to determine the winner.

During the interviews, Tom’s strong communication, leadership and problem solving skills were praised by a judging panel comprising of Clipper Race and Old Pulteney representatives. His calm and cheerful personality was also deemed an asset that could boost the crew throughout the gruelling race.

Tom will now receive three weeks of intensive pre-race training in Gosport, Hampshire before embarking on the six week voyage of a lifetime.

Tom Teggart commented:

I’m thrilled to be joining the Old Pulteney team for the homecoming leg of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Winning this competition is like a local league footballer being picked to play in the World Cup finals. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. It’ll be tough but I’m going to enjoy and treasure every second of it, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Old Pulteney team in New York in a couple of month’s time.

Margaret Mary Clarke, Old Pulteney’s Senior Brand Manager added:

We are delighted to crown Tom our competition winner and offer him a once in a lifetime opportunity to join such a prestigious global event. Sailing in the race is the ultimate team sport and the Old Pulteney crew in particular are known for their sense of camaraderie, Tom’s skill set and personality really stood out and we are confident he will soon become an invaluable crew member.