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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - A CHRISTMAS NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN NOR REPEATED Southampton (UK), Thursday 26th December The seas were calm and the moon was out for Christmas night in the Southern Ocean. Concert crew member and journalist Lucy Duncan, reported that the Christmas carol tape played through the deck speakers, and could not have had a better setting than a moonlit night in the middle of one of the last truly isolated places left on earth". All the yachts made a special effort to get as close to traditional Christmas celebrations as possible. Ocean Rover said that all the crew's smelly socks that had been hung up were filled - "it seems to be a blow up plastic year - I have a feeling it is therapy so that we get eased in to dealing with the real thing after so long at sea"! Food had been carefully stored on board since leaving Rio and many of the yachts succeeded in producing an almost typical Christmas dinner, a remarkable feat considering the conditions and limited space. Toshiba Wave Warrior said that "two 'ordinary people' prepared a feast for 14 that would have done any Christmas table proud - turkey, chipolatas, mash, stuffing, cranberry jelly, peas, roast potatoes and fresh carrots...and to top it all christmas pudding, brandy butter and vanilla sauce". Even the crew's musto sailing socks, embroidered with each crew members name, were filled with goodies. Concert is doing her best to continue the Christmas tradition of over eating. The crew reported that previously they had the the excuse that they were burning up calories keeping warm and exercising, but now that they are motor-sailing and above 50 degrees south, it's is not as cold and they are certainly not exercising as much as before. However they add "this doesn't stop us continuing to eat huge portions, and enjoying them"! Both Motorola and Commercial Union reported that excellent sailing conditions were had yesterday which resulted in the crews being able to prepare and eat their food without the more customary "acrobatic balancing act". Commercial Union admitted that it was a Christmas day that all will never forget, but definitely not to be repeated. "We will all enjoy Christmas at home so much more next year reliving the memories of this year from the comfort of our armchairs". At 07:50 hrs GMT today, Group 4, taking a more southerly course, was still leading the fleet, followed by Save the Children who has closed her gap to 30 miles. Toshiba Wave Warrior has gained 20 miles on "the Kids" in the last 24 hours, as has Global Teamwork who made the highest 24 hour run of 211 miles and now lies some 20 miles behind. The distance between the front and back of the fleet is spreading out. This can only be expected since Concert, and Heath Insured have slowed down due to their rigging problems that they experienced recently. Concert is about 760 miles from the Chatham Islands where she will re-fuel before continuing on her way to Wellington. The leading yachts are also slowing down now as they near Wellington (some 560 miles away) as the winds are considerably lighter. Toshiba Wave Warrior admitts that the next few days will be crucial in seeing how far she can narrow the time difference with the first two boats, hopefully protecting her overall second position, so that she can fight back strongly over the next four legs. Report received from Motorola at 11:09 hrs GMT on 25th December: "It is getting warmer on deck and a few ventured up without their thermal tops. The sun has been out for most of the day which makes Alastair look a bit more normal. He broke his prescription glasses and has been using he Bolle prescription sunglasses which look like a breed between "Robocop" and "Terminator II". People get kind of strange after a month at sea"! 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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