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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - LESS THAN 1,000 MILES TO GO Southampton (UK), Tuesday December 24th 1996 At 07:50 hrs today, the two leading yachts Group 4 and Save the Children had 893 and 924 miles remaining to Wellington respectively. "The Kids" are slowly gaining on Group 4, and have retained a significant distance over Toshiba Wave Warrior lying in 3rd place. Group 4 reported that "spirits are high as the miles diminish and festive messages arrive". Her predicted arrival date is 29th December. Concert is currently flying her storm staysail which is set on a jury rig and is motor sailing towards the Chatham Islands. Courtaulds International completed a rendezvous with her yesterday afternoon where she transferred 21 canisters of fuel. The calm seas and bright sunshine helped to make the task less onerous and skilful manoeuvring by both yachts ensured that the operation was accomplished swiftly and smoothly. Courtaulds International reported that Concert "looked surprisingly small having only 20 ft of the mast in place. However there was an amazing sense of normality about what gave the impression of being a casual routine meeting and the skipper and crew were in remarkable good spirits". They also exchanged an extensive range of goodies such as chocolate, Fortnum & Mason Christmas cake, dumpling mix and cigars. After 34 days at sea since leaving Rio, the crews will be anxious during their last week at sea. They are taking all precautions to ensure that they arrive safely and on time in Wellington. For the main part, they have been living life at a 30 degree angle, stumbling from one handrail to another, both above and below deck. The crews will appreciate land like never before, and are all very much looking forward to the welcome break in New Zealand to recharge their batteries. Despite being 1,000 miles from land, the yachts have entered into the Christmas spirit as much as they can. Toshiba Wave Warrior reported that her multi coloured spectra lines of the jury rig resemble tinsel, and that "there are lights on the Christmas tree and even a pressie box has emerged. It's hard to tell who Santa is, because we all wear big red suits!". Pause to Remember (7) is putting yesterday's fighting words into action. Amongst putting up "a fine assortment of ho ho ho balloons and an improvised Christmas tree, and a blow-up Santa and Rudolf", she is steadily chasing Commercial Union, and now lies only 4 miles behind. Her crew are singing their own improvised version of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" as their Christmas carol: "Oh Kiwi town of Wellington, we're dying for a jar; We have you on our GPS, which is our guiding star; We've sailed from Rio and went round the Horn, and now we're on our way; So Wellington prepare yourself, for our arrival day". Group 4 reported to have put her Christmas tree up today - "a montage of green scouring packs on the cupboard door with an amalgamating tape pot. Beautifully decorated with a red sail tie bow and silver stars cut from mash potato bags and red wool bows"! Meanwhile while carols were being sung on the deck of Commercial Union, crew member Ian Hampson bravely went up the tree (mast) last night to replace her light that had gone out, and again later to reinforce her jury rig in the face of another impending gale. We have yet to see if Santa will visit Ocean Rover. Each member has hung a sock in the galley in hope - but I think he might be put off by the smell. To send a message to the yachts you may contact: Portishead Radio Tel: 0880 378389 (UK only) 01278 772200 (outside UK) For updated information on the BT Global Challenge : Internet site : http://www.btchallenge.com Fax database : 0990 321123 (+44 990 321123 from outside UK) Recorded telephone information line : 0891 505550 (UK only) Public enquiry bureau : 01703 212124 (+44 1703 212124 from outside UK) Ceefax page 388 (UK) |
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