Speaker: Neil Dunnet

Topic: BT Global Challenge 2000/2001

Neil has worked and travelled in over 70 countries and enjoys sailing yachts and square-rigged Tall Ships for relaxation. 

He has sailed with the Tall Ships Youth Trust for over 20 years as a volunteer Watch Leader and Mate. 

He was a crew member for the BT Global Challenge round the world yacht race 2000/2001 (billed as the toughest yacht race in the world, sailing against the winds and tides), experiencing extreme teamwork and intense sailing. 

He is a member of Lymington Town Sailing Club and was appointed Rear Commodore Cruising, and elected to the club Executive Committee in 2021. 

From a business viewpoint, Neil has held a number of Telecoms and IT roles for over 30 years, leading international project teams and covering a range of business and trouble-shooting assignments across Europe and the USA. 

He was appointed as an international chairman with the UN for eight years in the 1980s, driving global telecoms developments.  He was also appointed as a Special Rapporteur for telecoms developments and research programmes across twenty countries in Europe followed by a similar role in the USA and Canada (1980 – mid 1990’s).

He has been a Primary School governor and Chair of Governors for some ten years.

He has enjoyed Scuba diving in NZ, Australia and Egypt (warm waters!).