Lyme Regis teenager Harry Besley - who is attempting to break a world record by circumnavigating around the UK in an electric boat - has announced three new sponsors.

Vulkan Technologies, and Bournemouth and Poole College have signed up as Gold Sponsors, Marine clothing brand GILL have signed up as a Premium Sponsor.

Rachel Pratt, Senior Marketing Manager at GILL said: “It’s been really interesting to learn about Harry’s challenge and the complexities associated with it.

“It’s such an important issue that needs attention and we have a huge amount of admiration for what he is doing.

“We hope this is the start of positive change in the marine industry and will show people that it is possible to still enjoy being out on the water without negatively impacting the marine environment.

“The path to true sustainability is a long one, but together we can play our part in protecting the environment.”

Project Manager at Round Britain eRIB Jaqui Besley said: “We were keen to work with a brand who have a strong focus on sustainability and GILL have been driving this agenda for years.

“It is a really good fit, with their unique waterproof XPEL® fabric finish free of harmful PFCs, plus the Eco Pro Rash Vest and Holcombe Crew range, that use polyester fibres from ocean sourced PET plastic bottles.”

Vulkan Technologies are also a Gold Sponsor. Adrian Birkin, MD said: “Vulkan is happy to support Harry on his Round Britain voyage and is already working on some interesting projects in the field of electric/hybrid propulsion.

“This challenge will hopefully promote these projects for us as well as the eRIB challenge itself."

A second Gold Sponsor that has recently signed up is Bournemouth and Poole College. They will be providing online educational resources that will be available to download from the eRIB Challenge website.

David Massieu-King, business development manager at Bournemouth & Poole College, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting this exciting adventure. As a college, we pride ourselves in being at the forefront of marine education and working with local and national employers.

“We hope this inspires both young and old to learn more about the marine industries of the UK, the importance of sustainability and how both can work together to make a difference.”