Major Will Naylor and the Fujitsu British Soldier team rescued a barn owl during a grueling offshore sailing race.
Major Will Naylor led the Fujitsu British Soldier team in an impromptu wildlife rescue during the Royal Ocean Racing Club Round Britain and Ireland Race. The team found a barn owl, nicknamed Little Reg, repeatedly falling into the water 70 nautical miles off the northeast coast. After a chaotic arrival where the owl attempted to land on a crew member's head before falling back into the sea, the team took Little Reg aboard. They coordinated with the administration of the Barn Owl Trust, Marine and Wildlife Rescue, and Caister Independent Lifeboat to ensure a collection near Great Yarmouth. Major Will Naylor noted that the team welcomed the extra crew member, who was nursing back to health. The team aims to finish the 1,805-nautical-mile race within the top 20 of their International Rating Certificate. Following the rescue, Little Reg was taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre for full recovery.