Welcome to the BT Global Challenge (BTGC) world wide web site.
This brief guide highlights some of the unique and exciting features of the site, and offers some useful tips on how best to view the site. Once you've sampled some of the highlights, you can take time to browse the entire site from the BT Global Challenge Home Page. This is arguably the most comprehensive source of information for the event, combining traditional static information with dynamic, constantly changing information on the race.
Before you start, check your system and browser. The BT Global Challenge www site is viewable on all browsers able to interpret HTML version 2.0. The site is best viewed by Netscape 1.2N and above, Mosaic V2.0 and above, Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0 and above, and Lynx (text only version).
The BT Global Challenge www site was designed to form an integral part of the communications channel, distributing the latest race news and positions to the public and media. BT has used the unique properties of the world wide web to capture the spirit of the race, and allow visitors to the site not only to follow the progress of the race, but also share the experiences of the real competitors.
The yacht design section allows visitors to see the yachts from the crews' viewpoint. Visitors can participate in a virtual tour of the yacht allowing a 360o degree view from three different positions - the chart table, cockpit and galley.
The results & news section provides a constant progress check showing not only the position of the respective competitors, but a graphical representation of progress to date. This is achieved through the BT Race Control System (BT - RCS) which receives the latest information - on results, estimated/actual arrival times, estimated/actual combined times, charts, news and weather - directly from the yachts. The information is then passed on to the Internet upload PC where it is converted into HTML files and templates for the various site sections. This information is typically updated every six hours, but can change as often as every ten minutes.
The site not only allows visitors to track the competitors - it allows them to race them too! The BT virtual yacht raceoffers a first-time opportunity for people to pit their wits against the real race skippers. Open to experienced and inexperienced sailors, the BTGC Virtual Yacht Race gives each visitor a 'virtual' yacht to navigate in the race. Crew, provisions and other requirements are selected at the start of each leg, and course setting and sail setting reviewed. Participants can review their progress at any time by viewing the virtual yacht race results page.
Two more fun elements to the site are the BT Global Challenge screen saver and Seafarer's Crossword. The screen saver (PC version) carries the home page illustration, with a route map showing the race course and departure dates, plus media information such as the site URL, fax-on-demand number, public information bureau number and the recorded information number.
Last but not least, the Seafarer's Crossword, all based on the yachting theme, should keep expert sailors and landlubbers alike entertained. Two knowledge levels make it accessible to both camps. There is a Java version of the crossword, but if you don't have Java, an on-line form version and print-out-and-play version has also been incorporated. Entries can be emailed straight off the site, or sent by post to the address provided.
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