Raymarine appoints Great Escapes star Monty Halls as ambassador

Explorer, marine biologist and former Royal Marine Officer, Monty Halls has become Raymarine’s latest ambassador as he prepares for his first ever sailing adventure. Star of the popular TV show Great Escapes, the high-profile outdoor enthusiast has fitted a full range of Raymarine electronics to his 34ft cruising yacht, Sobek.

It is part of a new chapter for Halls. Although he is an experienced diver and commercial powerboat skipper, he is new to sailing. He will be heading out with his young family and plans to show them the wonders of the coast around Devon and the UK, writing and recording onboard, focusing on sustainability and the marine environment.

Richard Marsden, Raymarine Sales Manager UK & Ireland says: “We are thrilled to have Monty on board as an ambassador for our brand. The work he does focussing on sustainability is really important and we look forward to working with him to see how we can support this. It’s fantastic that the journey will be shared with Monty’s family too, showing his children how wonderful the world is and teaching the importance of safety at sea. We are really excited to be part of this adventure.”

At the heart of the system onboard Halls’ Colvic 34 are two Axiom 2 Pro chartplotters, combined with Raymarine’s award-winning Evolution autopilot system, AIS700 transceiver unit and Yachtsense Link 4G router which enables an on-board WiFi network. For better watch-keeping and improved crew safety, the system also includes a CAM210 camera, a FLIR M364C thermal imaging camera and a powerful RealVision 3D sonar array for visibility below the water.

“I’ve always used Raymarine, so it was an easy choice for me,” says Halls. “The key benefits in safety terms are that – of course – you can never underestimate the sea, and although the coast around us here in Devon is very beautiful, it can also be singularly unforgiving. So, the kit will be invaluable in planning our trips, and monitoring our situation wherever we are.

“This is the beginning of the journey for me and my family, a chance to explore the extraordinary world we’re lucky enough to have on our doorstep. As a new yachtsman I’m excited at the prospect of learning my craft – and never has that double meaning been so apt – and revealing the complex ecosystem and the hidden secrets of the coastline and coves that surround us, to my family.”

Earlier this month Raymarine announced it was partnering with a Finnish amateur racer Ari Känsäkosi who plans to complete the 26,000 nautical mile gruelling Global Solo Challenge race without burning a drop of fossil fuel.