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FALSE ALARM FOR NUCLEAR ELECTRIC AND PAUSE TO REMEMBER Southampton (UK) Friday 16th May 1997 Nuclear Electric and Pause to Remember had cause for concern last night when what they believe to be a distress flare was spotted off the starboard bow. The drama began when Nuclear Electric saw what looked like a white parachute flare some 10 to 15 miles away. Knowing Pause to Remember and Global Teamwork were in that direction Nuclear Electric immediately contacted them by radio. They then discovered the flare was in fact a response from Pause to Remember to a flare they observed off the starboard bow. Worried this was a vessel in distress, Nuclear Electric dropped her spinnaker and began motoring in the direction of the flare. After some five miles, it was decided that the faint light on the horizon was not getting any closer and in fact had disappeared, and racing resumed. The yachts are still all maintaining similar courses and remain tightly bunched up. Group 4 is still in the lead with Commercial Union working hard at closing the gap, gaining five miles on Group 4 in the last 24 hrs. They continue to maintain their good mood exchanging jokes and general chat across the airwaves. Concert, in 3rd early today, has altered course in an effort to gain ground on the two boats in front and appears to be making good progress. Motorola, the yacht on the most easterly course has adopted the tactic of trying to circumnavigate the Doldrums rather than risk being becalmed. This is certainly why Courtalds International and Motorola have swapped positions in the rankings. The current weather forecast is fine weather with moderate southeasterely winds maintained throughout the leg. Heath Insured II is back in the race after having dropped off crew member Andy Pilkington at St Helena with a suspected appendicitis. Although lying in 12th position, she is making good progress and all the crew are giving a little bit more for their missing crew member. 3Com is making use of the calm conditions to fix her spinnakers. Known generally amongst the fleet as 3Gon, she has suffered damage to three of her spinnakers since Cape Town including her brand new mid weight spinnaker. She has since had two crew members permanently on sail repairs and finally last night she was able to hoist her mid weight spinnaker. She is hoping the repaired sail will deliver the extra speed she needs to start working her way through the fleet. Schools and other organisations can experience the excitement of the race via the BT Global Challenge Club, which they can join the club via the BT Global Challenge web site at http://www.btchallenge.com 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) |
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