Special Guests onboard when The Black Pearl takes to the in port starting line

The Pirates of the Caribbean will have three special guests onboard when The Black Pearl takes to the start line in the Solent for the in port race on bank holiday Monday, May 29th.

Joining the Pirates crew will be Lady Gabriella Windsor, Mackenzie Crook, who stars in Pirates of the Caribbean; Dead Man’s Chest and James Cracknell, Olympic gold medal rowing champion.

Skipper Paul Cayard commented: “After the tough transatlantic leg, we are looking forward to a fun and competitive inshore race. These boats are a blast when the wind is up and the racing is close.”

Lady Gabriella, the only daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, christened The Black Pearl in September. Lady Gabriella’s father Prince Michael of Kent is the third son of George Duke of Kent (the fifth son of George V and Queen Mary) and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Mackenzie Crook stars as Ragetti in the new Pirates of the Caribbean film which will be in cinemas on 6th July, following the European Premiere in London on 3rd July. Crook is also well known for playing the character ‘Gareth’ in the BBC’s hit comedy, ‘The Office’.

James Cracknell is most recognised for bringing home gold medals in rowing from consecutive Olympics; a gold at the Sydney Olympics 2000 and gold at the Athens Olympics 2004. Cracknell also took part in the Atlantic Rowing Race last year, smashing the record for the transatlantic crossing.

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, the host port for the UK stopover, will commence proceedings at 10.30am on 29th May with a yacht departure ceremony. The start gun will be fired at 13.00 and up to three hours of action packed racing out on the water will commence.