World Champion Sailor, Holds Eight Sailing World Records, Qualified Adventure Psychology Practitioner & Co-Author of the ‘Boat to Boardroom’

Alex Alley is a world champion sailor and holder of multiple world records, celebrated for his daring feats at sea and his ability to inspire others off the water. With over 150,000 nautical miles under his belt, Alex has captained superyachts, competed in elite global races, and set eight world records, including the fastest solo sail around the Isle of Wight and the length of Britain. His 2018 solo round-the-world record attempt pushed him to the limits of human endurance. Now a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, Alex brings lessons from the ocean to the boardroom, helping businesses thrive under pressure.

Alex’s career began with elite sailing, where he quickly established himself as a world-class competitor. In 2004, he was part of the crew in the Global Challenge, a gruelling round-the-world yacht race. He later went on to win a World Championship representing England, and over the years, he accumulated eight sailing world records. These include the Length of Britain record, the solo Round-the-Isle-of-Wight record (6h 20m 32s in Pixel Flyer), and multiple passage records during his 2018–2019 solo non-stop round-the-world record attempt, where he spent 75 days alone at sea, covering over 14,500 nautical miles.

Following his offshore success, Alex transitioned into leadership development. He founded Velocity Made Good, a consultancy that delivers workshops, keynote speeches, and sailing-based team-building programs to improve performance in business. His sailing background forms the foundation of his unique approach to building resilient, adaptable teams.

He later became a qualified Adventure Psychology Practitioner, advising individuals and teams in high-stakes expedition planning and decision-making. In recognition of his contribution to performance leadership, Alex now serves on advisory boards and continues to work with global organisations. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, both in extreme environments and in the boardroom.

Alex is co-author of the leadership book ‘Boat to Boardroom’ with Paula Reid, which draws parallels between high-performance sailing and business leadership. He writes for industry and adventure media and maintains an active blog on his website. He has also appeared on BBC Radio, including the H2O Podcast, and has been featured in national and regional news outlets covering his record-breaking voyages and leadership work.

Why Hire Alex Alley?

Alex brings real-world adventure, resilience, and leadership to the stage. As a world champion sailor and holder of eight world records, he shares gripping stories of life-or-death decision-making, self-leadership, and perseverance under extreme pressure. His 75-day solo ocean voyage and years of elite sailing form the backbone of a powerful message that success comes from preparation, mindset, and the ability to adapt.

Alex is not just a sailor; he is a leadership expert. Through his company, Velocity Made Good, and his qualification in Adventure Psychology, he helps teams and leaders unlock high performance in uncertain and high-pressure environments. His keynote presentations and corporate workshops are engaging, relatable, and deeply motivational.

Whether you are looking to energise a team, build leadership capability, or inspire individuals to face challenges with confidence, Alex delivers authentic insight with lasting impact. He is an exceptional choice for any organisation seeking meaningful change.

To book Alex to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.