BT Community Programme
Church & Co.
Deutsche Morgan Grenfell
Henri Lloyd
IPC/iXnet
Lloyd Thompson
Ritz-Carlton
The Sunday Times
Sun International
Symbol Technologies
Zurich Insurance
 SKIPPER: JAMES HATFIELD CREW |
When the Time & Tide crew left Southampton at the start of the race last September their mission statement was "Racing the Latitudes to Change Attitudes" - and that is just what they have done. On the 24th of May the crew achieved their ambition and circumnavigated the globe. The fleet has now arrived in Southampton and although they finished fourteenth, they were first - the first disabled crew ever to sail around the world. A glorious and triumphant achievement. Each individual crew member has had to overcome a disability or life threatening illness simply to be part of this challenge. Many disabilities have been represented on board Time & Tide including heart disease, cerebral Palsy, profound deafness, partial sight, muscle wasting disease, and the after effects of cancer. However, it is not just the disability the crew has had to overcome but also prejudice and doubt. |
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When the notion of a disabled crew competing in the Challenge was first presented the sceptics declared it would be "impossible". But when you have the willingness and determination of this crew anything is possible. It is their spirit and belief in themselves which has turned the sceptics around. They have demonstrated to the world that they can do it, were going to do it and now have done it. The crew and the trust has battled against the odds and the elements to bring this project to fruition and it has worked - The yacht is resting in Southampton has just completed the world's toughest yacht race.
James Hatfield, Time & Tide's skipper, believes ''The crew of Time & Tide will have so many challenges to overcome in their own lives in coming to terms with their own particular disabilities that, in a way, the challenges presented by the BT Global Challenge will be easier for them to handle than for some of the able bodied crew volunteers. People shouldn't think we are in the race just to compete - our crew will be as determined as the others to be first in to each port.'' James is no stranger to challenges having had eight major heart operations between the age of 19 and 21. The crew have fought each leg with gritty determination coming into Rio 14th, Wellington 10th, Cape Town 10th, Boston 14th, finishing 14th, demonstrating that they are truly a force to be reckoned with.
The Trust has secured backing from several UK and overseas corporations
and is delighted to be associated with:
BT Community Programme. For the first company to sponsor the
Trust entry, Pete Winmill, BT Community Programme Manager, says
''BT supports a wide range of disability projects including competitive
swimming, access to the countryside and outdoor pursuits. Helping
to sponsor a yacht is a 'first' for us but we are confident the
crew will demonstrate how people with disabilities can lead an
active and independent life.'' Church & Co. The company see their involvement with Time & Tide as ''an opportunity to promote Church 2000 boat shoes in international markets, whilst helping a worthwhile project.'' Deustche Morgan Grenfell. The investment banking arm of Deutsche Bank Group, which has 7,000 staff and offices in over 30 countries.
Henri Lloyd. One of the world leaders in the manufacture of yachting
clothing, the company are supplying the crew of Time & Tide
with an extensive inventory from their range of survival clothing,
sailing suits, thermal clothing and shore gear. IPC/iXnet - IPC Information systems is a total solution provider to the international financial trading community. IPC iXnet is a wholly owned subsidiary of IPC, is implementing a global virtual private network to meet the financial industry's need for desktop to desktop seamless global connectivity. Lloyd Thompson - Lloyd Thompson is a leading independent insurance and reinsurance broker based in London, with a strong presence in worldwide insurance and reinsurance business. Lloyd Thompson has a firmly established reputation built on client service, innovation and the continued commitment to excellence. Ritz-Carlton - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, first established in summer 1983 has nurtured a tradition of excellence created by celebrated hotelier Cesar Ritz nearly a century ago. Today, The Ritz-Carlton Company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia USA manages 31 hotels and resorts worldwide. Founded on a rich history and legacy of excellence, the Ritz-Carlton continues to strive for perfection in providing the finest personal service in surroundings that are warm, relaxed, yet refined. The Sunday Times - The Sunday Times have sponsored the Time & Tide yacht and are publishing exclusive information about life on board on a regular basis.
Symbol Technologies. The world's largest supplier of bar-code
equipment, used by industries and consumer outlets throughout
the world, Symbol is the newest sponsor of the team.
Zurich Insurance Company. A global company, operating in 90 countries,
the company believe their image as a powerful, performance driven
company is well suited to the rigours and determination needed
to compete in 'the world's toughest yacht race.' We still need to raise approximately £100,000 to complete funding of the project.
Contact
The Time & Tide Trust, Waterford House, Sherecroft, Botley, Hampshire, UK SO30 2TP, UK
Tel.+44 1489 788897 Fax.+44 1489 780222 |
 bt.com |
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