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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN Southampton (UK), Wednesday 25 December 1996 Today is Christmas Day, and across the world families and friends make an effort to be together and celebrate what must be the nearest thing to a global holiday. For the crew of the BT Global Challenge, Christmas day is like any other day in the Southern Ocean - cold, wet, windy and unrelentingly uncomfortable. The last week or so have seen rigging problems throughout the fleet and skippers wrestling with a familiar conundrum - how to race as hard as possible whilst sailing conservatively; after all, as the crew of Concert know to their cost, you have to be in it to win it. The yachts have reported that one advantage of being at sea, some 600-1500 miles off New Zealand is that Christmas celebrations last even longer. Save the Children said that "we thought we'd celebrate Christmas at the start of GMT and go on to the end of local time - that way we get 36 hours of fun"! An early Christmas present arrived for Pause to Remember when the 07:50 hr GMT poll stated that she had overtaken Commercial Union, which was greeted by big cheers. Whilst Commercial Union reported that her best Christmas present was delivered at 11:00 hrs GMT: "the wind headed enabling us to tack and point the boat straight for Wellington". So it looks as though Pause to Remember has got a battle on her hands to retain 7th position. The non-British crew members on board the BT Global Challenge yachts were not so impressed at the lack of festivities on Christmas Eve, when they traditionally celebrate Christmas. Nuclear Electric reported that Swedish crew member Hakan Rodebjer "spent most of the day speaking Swedish, which made communications somewhat difficult. He has however, been told in plain English that once he has completed his duties as Santa Claus (Sweden is pretty close to Lapland after all) he has got to helm, trim and change sails single-handed today, while the rest of us take a well-earned day off". Also a little puzzled is "Manx Yank" on Commercial Union. Whilst he is celebrating Christmas on 25th December like most others, he simply cannot understand about Boxing Day on the 26th. "I haven't been in a boxing ring since High School", he was heard to complain yesterday. In case the crews have last minute shopping to do, crew members Peter and Trevor on Concert announced "the opening of the Southern Ocean branch of their Mobile Chandlery and Rigging Shop on board Concert, where there is a variety of new and nearly new gear available. Our current inventory includes spare mast section and spreaders.....but unfortunately D2 and D3 fittings are currently out of stock.." Concert also point out that they are opening their doors today to anyone who would like to drop in for a drink and a mince pie! Courtaulds International claimed that "lunch will be the highlight of the day", as they prepare the closest thing to a home cooked Christmas dinner. Nuclear Electric's chefs are preparing "boil in the bag vacuum packed turkey, carrots and potatoes, followed by Christmas pudding with brandy butter, stilton and vintage port" which will apparently be their first sip of alcohol in five weeks. Amongst Christmas celebrations taking place on board, the race to Wellington continues unabated. Courtaulds International reported that "so far, this has been one of the most pleasant afternoons sailing of this leg, with good winds enabling us to make rapid progress towards Wellington for New Year". Group still lead the fleet with a 45 mile lead over Save the Children, who in turn have a 100 mile lead over Toshiba Wave Warrior. At 07:50 hrs GMT today, Group 4 had some 685 miles to go to the finish in Wellington, Save the Children some 727 miles and Toshiba Wave Warrior 826. Their present predicted arrival dates are for 29th December. Whilst at the back of the fleet, Heath Insured II still has some 1445 miles to the finish line and might not be in Wellington until the 3rd or 4th of January. The fleet of the BT Global Challenge are certainly not cut off from the outside world. All the yachts have reported to be extremely grateful for all the messages that have been pouring in via the BT Inmarsat SatCom C from Sponsors, family and friends from all over the world offering Christmas greetings. Likewise, from all on the BT Global Challenge Shore Team, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas! 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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