Charles Darbyshire

Managing Director

Charles has been involved with professional sailing since 1996 leading the custom parts division of world renowned deck hardware company Spinlock. With a move to join Mark Turner at Offshore Challenges, he had the opportunity to work on a diverse set of sailing related projects and events, from Ellen MacArthur’s record breaking round the world record to creating the tracking system used by the majority of ocean races today. Along the way he was part of the management team that rescued The Transat (OSTAR) race, created stadium sailing with the Extreme Sailing Series, and founded the Barcelona World Race, Oman Sail, and The Artemis Offshore Academy.

Charles was shore point contact for 2 Route du Rhum victories, a Vendee Globe, and Ellen MacArthur’s record, as well as overseeing 42 sailors participate in the single handed Solitaire du Figaro. After many miles training doublehanded with Ellen, he was the navigator and media man aboard Oman Sail’s successful non-stop round the world attempt in 2009. On leaving OC Sport in 2016, Charles created Fourth Cape the sports management company he leads today.

PAST EXPERIENCES:

Kingfisher, Artemis Investment Management, Musto, Oman Sail, B&Q, Dongfeng, BT, Estrella Damm, World Sailing, RYA The Transat, Barcelona World Race, La Solitaire du Figaro, Volvo Ocean Race, Extreme Sailing Series, Transat Jaques Vabre, Jules Verne

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