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 As patron of the Challenge Races, I have taken a keen interest in the development and culmination of Chay Blyth's idea of giving people from all walks of life the opportunity to train for, and participate in a major yacht racing event. Over the last four years, the fleet of identical 67' yachts has grown from ten to fourteen. The increase in yacht numbers will allow over three hundred people to take part in this great sailing venture. Although promoted as an "Adventure of a Lifetime", the Race is a keenly fought contest, staged in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. The participants' enthusiasm and dedication still creates an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill, which pervades the whole event. For everyone taking part, for the whole Race or just a Leg, as a Skipper or a member of his Crew, the BT Global Challenge will see the culmination of many months, even years of preparation. In an event that highlights safety and seamanship, it will be as exciting as before to see which Skipper gets the best out of his Team and which Team gets the best out of their yacht. During a matched Race where the yachts and equipment are exactly the same, it is the people who make the difference. Everyone has a part to play and this adds to the excitement - not only for participants but for those following events from shore. Good luck and fair wind to all.
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 bt.com |
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