BT Global Challenge - Archived Race News

News Report:	7
Date:	29 SEP 1996
Time:	19:17
Race Leg:	1 - Southampton to Rio de Janeiro

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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST YACHT
RACE GETS OFF TO A FAST AND FURIOUS START

Southampton (UK), Sunday 29th September 1996.

After some four years of planning, training and preparation, the BT Global Challenge finally started
today in wet and windy style. Driving rain and high winds (35 knots gusting 46) meant a rough ride
for the press and spectator craft who followed the progress of the 14 steel yachts down the Solent,
after the start gun was fired at 12.05 (BST) by HRH The Princess Royal.

First over the start line was Global Teamwork, who incurred a penalty for being 10 seconds
premature; first trophy of the event was carried off by Courtaulds International in the Western
Solent, while the Musto trophy was scooped by Group 4, being the first penalty-free yacht through
the award gate at Hurst Narrows. All the yachts sailed fast and furious, with only 8 minutes between
the leader and the back of the fleet.

As they headed out into the Needles Channel and on towards Ushant, with the wind on their nose,
Global Teamwork executed her penalty of an hour and a 720 turn and then rejoined the race, with
lost time to be made up. At 18.22 (BST), Group 4 were leading the way with an average speed of
8.4 knots, with their next focal point - Ushant, off the west coast of France - some 160 miles away.

For the first night at sea, those on watch can expect a decrease of wind speed, and visibility is
forecast as moderate to good.

The fleet is now on its way, with crew and skippers focusing on the epic journey that lies ahead of
them. The weather conditions can only improve as they make their way towards their next port of
call, in Rio de Janeiro - some 5,000 miles and approximately one month's sailing away. Earliest
expected arrival date in Brazil is October 29th - for more details, watch this space!

BT Global Challenge internet site : http://www/btchallenge.com
BT Global Challenge fax database : 0990 321123

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