| ||||||||||||
|
BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - FRUSTRATION SETS IN WITH LACK OF WIND Southampton (UK), Thursday 10 July 1997 At 07:54 hours GMT this morning the yachts of the BT Global Challenge fleet were making slow progress in light winds. In the past 24 hours the gusting and ever changing conditions have doubled the spread of the fleet to just over 200 miles. The yachts are heading north east towards the expected low at 55N 20W where they are trying to catch the low pressure system heading its way towards Iceland. As the yachts compete for the illusive wind, Trevor Corner, a crew volunteer on board Commercial Union writes: "There comes a time in each voyage when the wind begins to play tricks. This whimsical, natural engine that, with the mere shift of a low pressure or squeeze of an isobar, can change from skidding the boat towards Southampton at 10 knots to wafting it north, or south aimlessly." The rest of the fleet are in unison with their feelings: "A frustrating morning with no wind", writes Motorola; "Yesterday was another day of frustration as we tried to keep the boat moving", reports Heath Insured II. "Very frustrating this ocean racing", comes the cry from Ocean Rover. "Frustration set in last night" says Toshiba Wave Warrior. Toshiba Wave Warrior, in particular felt this frustration as she lost considerable distance to Group 4. Jo Dawson, a crew volunteer on board Toshiba Wave Warrior explains: "We now find ourselves 16 miles behind Group 4 which is disheartening since they were less than 0.5 miles away only 48 hours ago. On the more positive side, we have now picked up a bit of wind from the north west corner of the secondary low, and with the wind slowly backing, we should be able to sail more onto course and whittle away at the remaining 1,195 miles to the finish line and the party! Almost 1,200 miles to finish still seems a long way to go and we are still in touch with the leader, however, the next 5 to 6 days will undoubtedly go very quickly and the time available to catch up those lost miles on Group 4 is disappearing." Having gained two positions in the last 24 hours and currently in 8th position, Courtaulds International crew member, Colin Moss reports his personal frustrations: "As we approach the final week of the BT Global Challenge, one is reminded of all that has been achieved and yet there are still things outstanding. The challenge offers the opportunity for everyone to achieve their own ambitions and to participate in those activities they feel is right for them. In my case, the challenge offered the opportunity to race around the world and to race means to win, on Courtaulds International we have yet to win a leg, and it looks as if this honour will only be given to two yachts, however we are still trying as hard as ever and will continue to do so until the finishing line in Southampton. The problem is the further we travel the better all crews perform and the competition becomes harder and so as we struggle across the Atlantic trying to be first back to Southampton the weather continues to dominate the event and is likely to be the final winner, but if there is any chance of taking the opportunity to win, Courtaulds International are certainly a team capable of achieving the result, and only then will I feel I have achieved all that I had asked from the BT Global Challenge." Welcome the BT Global Challenge fleet home by visiting Race Village, Ocean Village, Southampton. The skippers and crews plan to be right in the thick of it all and are urging their yachts forward. Their arrival in Ocean Village will be quite a sight. Starting on Saturday 12 July, there will be a wide range of free entertainment for all the family - visit the exhibition to give you an insight into life on board a yacht. Don't miss the BT Global Party spectacular on the evening of Friday 18 July, the celebration of the race finish. 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 only) |
 bt.com |
 |
Copyright British Telecommunications plc 1996.
Notices| (i) | Copyright British Telecommunications plc 1996. |
| (ii) | Access to this information/data or any part of this page via the World Wide Web must only be by linking to the relevant page on the BT Global Challenge Web Site. (http://www.btchallenge.com/results/latest/latest.htm) |
| (iii) | This information/data was originally produced by "BT's Race Information System". BT shall not be liable for use of any part of it. Subject to (ii), you may use the information/data alone provided this notice is included. |
| (iv) | You may copy and use any part of this page, other than on the World Wide Web, provided you include all of these notices. You must not charge for public use and before such use you must inform BT by facsimile to 0171 777 7444 or email to h.brierley@btinternet.com stating the intended use. |
| (v) | Inform BT (as in notice (iv)) if your platform is not world wide web. |
| (vi) | Map data was produced using MundoCart/CD (a digital product of Petroconsultants Group). BT shall not be liable for use of any part of it. |