Sir Chay Blyth swaps boats for trains as he joins First Great Western

One of the world’s greatest yachtsmen Sir Chay Blyth is to head the new Board of Directors at train company First Great Western when it starts operating the new Greater Western franchise.

Sir Chay, who gained international recognition for his pioneering sailing ventures and is now a highly successful businessman, is to be Non Executive Chairman of the new company which has been formed to run the new and enlarged franchise from April 1. The franchise combines the current First Great Western, First Great Western Link and Wessex Trains franchises.

A regular traveller with First Great Western, Sir Chay brings a wealth of experience and skills to the position. He also knows the rail network in the region well as he regularly travels from his home in Gloucestershire and has previously lived in Cornwall.

“I look forward to the challenge this will bring,” said Sir Chay. “I couldn’t turn down an opportunity such as this, to be involved in shaping the region’s rail network for the future decade. I believe you should seize every opportunity in life.

“First Great Western has exciting plans for the future and I want to be at the heart of them. Our focus will be on the customer every minute of every day and I am impressed by the commitment of the staff. Everyone will have a part to play as we move forward into the new Greater Western franchise.

“I have been a regular customer with First Great Western for a number of years. The company has worked hard to improve its performance and has made great steps in solving the problems within its direct control. Unfortunately it is often let down by the unique difficulties associated with the infrastructure in its region.”

Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of First Great Western’s parent company First, added: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Chay to our team and hope to draw on his vision and inspiration as we continue to grow and develop our business. We welcome his input, flair and motivation.”

Biographical details -

Sir Chay Blyth was born in Hawick in Scotland on 14 May 1940, the youngest of a family of five girls and two boys. At the age of 15, he left school and went to work for a local knitwear factory as an apprentice frameworker. This career was short-lived as, aged 18, he signed up for The Parachute Regiment where he rose quickly through the ranks, becoming sergeant at the age of 21 - the regiment's youngest ever Sergeant at that time.

In 1966, Blyth teamed up with Captain John Ridgeway to row across the Atlantic from Cape Cod to the Aran Islands in a 20ft dory. They completed this in 92 days. As a result, he was awarded the British Empire Medal and voted Man of the Year.

In 1971, having left the Army three years previously, aboard the 59ft ketch British Steel, he became the first person to sail non-stop westwards around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. In recognition of this, he was awarded the CBE and was voted Yachtsman of the Year and again Man of the Year.

Since that year, he has accumulated a staggering list of racing successes: 1973/4: skippered Great Britain II in the first Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race with a crew from the Parachute Regiment. They won the elapsed time prize and nine out of the 12 trophies. 1978: won the Two-handed Round Britain race with Rob James in Great Britain IV; 1981: won the Two-handed Transatlantic race with Rob James in Brittany Ferries, breaking the record; 1982: 2nd overall in Round Britain Race; 1984: capsized in Beefeater II off Cape Horn and spent 19 hours in the water before being rescued; 1985: rescued in the Atlantic from Virgin Atlantic Challenger, which sank; 1986: co-skippered with Richard Branson the successful Blue Riband transatlantic attempt on Virgin Atlantic Challenger.

In 1989, Sir Chay founded Challenge Business, a market leader in creating, managing and promoting World Class events. Prior to founding the Challenge Business, Sir Chay worked for Hill & Knowlton for 10 ten years and Benson & Hedges (Silk Cut) for a number of years. Sir Chay was Chairman of the Silk Cut Nautical Awards, an Awards programme that lasted 10 years.

In 1990, Sir Chay attended a sixth month part-time residential course at the London Business School.

In 1997, Sir Chay was Knighted for his services to sailing.

Sir Chay has a Doctorate of Technology from the University of Plymouth, a Doctorate of Law from the University of Portsmouth and is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Sales. Sir Chay is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. In 2000, the Chartered Institute of Marketing awarded Sir Chay The Companion of Honour for his services to the Profession of Marketing.

Sir Chay holds several Director and Chairmanships. He has considerable experience of blank sheet projects and has written five books on his adventures.

Professional hobbies – Sir Chay takes pride in completing a business course of some description once a year.

Personal hobbies – Sailing, horse riding, skiing.

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