Newport, Preparations, Around Alone

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Qualifier Update
Newport, RI USA
August 2, 2002

Sleepless in Newport

Burnin’ the midnight oil in the Mecca of American Yachting.

Here in the land of (past) America’s cup glory, alongside the late Peter Blake’s huge “SeaMaster,” sits the only U.S. entry in class one of the Around Alone. She is getting a lot of attention from the yard (Newport Shipyard) and some great helpers of mine, but yours truly, the skipper, is in a bit of a daze.

Sometimes I think it might be interesting to list all the individual ongoing projects in one of these updates, but each one is a long story in itself (possibly entertaining, depending on your point of view). My helpers assure me that I’m actually more organized than I feel, but the fact remains that we need to drum up a pile of dough to make the start. Right now I’m up in the boatyard’s “crew lounge” hammering out e-mails and phone calls, which is nice since it’s air conditioned in here. I need to focus on fundraising, but it is SO hard for me to stay away from the boat since I am such a mother hen! A lot of the boat is different and custom so I need to answer questions on the fly as everyone comes by or calls on my phone.

When I can go by the boat, I accost onlookers, inform them about the coming race, myself, and shove donation forms in their hands. The reactions vary from total disinterest to enthusiasm. Now and then I get lucky and some have helped out. The time to help is NOW! Some supporters asked me whether we were going to do another “matching grant” effort. Time is so short that I don’t have time to organize it, so all I can say is SEND MONEY NOW OR I WON’T MAKE THE START. SERIOUSLY, WE NEED ABOUT $95K IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. So, only 95 people need to send in $1,000….;-)! A few folks that had been holding back came thru recently, so I keep telling myself it is possible.

With all this stress, good thing I have been taking my Mariner’s vitamins! Also a big help is the prototype “Prometan” energy and protein bars (see www.intensivenutrition.com).

Key helpers, Bam Bam (aka Andrew Oleksiak) and Quinn Olsen have headed back to Charleston, SC, to other biz, but they will be back in a couple weeks. Agnes Powell (who usually works on better paying gigs than this one) is here for another week to help on PC, wiring, and other tasks. A lot has to be done by the boatyard here now, which is going to be expensive. Bam Bam, Quinn, and Agnes are working for next to nothing.

Newport is rather touristy, but an atmosphere of sailing character is everywhere. For example, I was sitting in restaurant soon after our arrival when I looked on the wall next to me to see a drawing of the smiling caricatures of the Titans of buoy “yachting”: Ted Turner, Ted Hood, Lowell North, Dennis Conner, etc. Day chartering is evidently booming here with rides on various craft like the replica of the famous schooner “America.” Also here are countless restored 12 meters along with several of the mega yachts we saw in Antigua. Hopefully I can meet some of the owners….we need to shake some change out of this town!

Big thanks for the hospitality of Billy & Joyce Black, who have been letting me crash at their lovely house and raid the fridge…;-) We’ll have some of their pics up on the site soon….

Hangin’ at the sailing bars and playing guitar for tips!

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Newport, RI USA
August 4, 2002

Heroes in Newport!

Yesterday was a big day for me here in Newport, mostly on a personal level, but possibly also for Ocean Planet; all week, while working diligently, two very different but powerful personalities were on my mind.

Peter Blake: Right next to us is the huge “SeaMaster,” imposing not only for her size (110+ ft!) and awesome exploration capabilities, but also there is the almost palpable presence of the late Peter Blake. This man was such a legendary figure in the sailing world, and the boat so impressive, that we feel tiny and humbled being next to them.

Bob Dylan: Yes, Robert Zimmerman himself played yesterday at the Newport Folk festival, 37 years after he was virtually booed off the stage when he “went electric.” Long sold out when I arrived in Newport, I was DYING to see the show. For a guitar player and general music nut like me this was a big deal.

Turns out that the stage for the Newport Folk festival is visible from the water, so HUNDREDS of boats jammed into the vicinity in a raucous scene of swimsuits, water balloons, and every kind of boat from lasers to ski boats, inflatables, surfboards(!), to priceless motor launches. I was lucky to grab a ride on a 37′ high speed tender to a huge motor yacht whose crew I had met in the yard. We gingerly wiggled our way as close as possible through the crowd and after several tries managed to get the anchor to grab with minimal scope.

I had brought my small “boat guitar” and played a few tunes to earn my “ride” until Mr. Dylan and his band hit the stage. “Zimmie” was up and down in his show, with inspired strong vocals on some songs and strangely (well, not strange for Bob) lost on others. We shared the binoculars and had a good time. A big bonus for me is that eventually a beautiful classic motor launch rafted alongside us that is owned by a very successful, local businessman who also has a big classic sailboat. I managed to get him in conversation and invited him to see Ocean Planet which he said he would do. This is the kind of lead and contact that hopefully will get us to the line…..cross your fingers.

After returning to the yard, I called (team helper) Agnes and found she was aboard SeaMaster. We were luckily invited aboard by the skipper for dinner! Aboard the boat I was in awe of the legacy left by Mr. Blake. After dinner I brought out my little boat guitar and played for the small audience of the skipper, mate, Agnes, and most meaningful to me, the ghost of Peter Blake. The skipper told me that Blake was an accomplished pianist so I was inspired to do my best. Perhaps I was warmed up by playing earlier, but my fingers seemed to respond well and I even sang decently (rare for me). My audience was delighted and asked for several repeats and encores which I was gratified to provide.

Anyway, I hope I did well by Mr. Blake and good luck will come of it. Today it’s back to the boat, emails, and hoping that yesterday’s chance acquaintances come to visit….

Thanks for reading,
Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Newport, RI USA
August 10, 2002

Nice progress is being made on our good ship Ocean Planet. Here is a brief rundown of what is underway to get ready:

Painting: The bottom has been sanded down and a coat of epoxy paint sprayed on. When that is sanded, we can then spray on the bottom paint. Most of the bottom will be blue except for the required (by the Open 60 class rules) fluorescent orange that will be on the keel, rudder, and 2sq meters of the hull. On the topsides we are laying out the hull numbers, a real drag as we have to shuffle some of our logos a bit. Another rule to be met is we have to paint a big spot or block on the deck of a bright color, and I am having trouble picking a good location…

We have moved the mast step fwd 3/8″ to rake the mast more and remounted the deck bearing housing to align with the new angle. I moved the step a 1/2″ back in Calif. but didn’t change the deck bearing then so it was definitely time to do it. Attached are pics of the step/bearing and the deck bearing, both were made by Jeff Daniels of Metropolis Metals in Alameda, CA, who also made all of our custom titanium stanchions and chainplates.

The rudder bearing housing is ready to go back in and be set tighter in the hull, as there had been a bit of slop there. While we were at it we cleaned it up and put in new roller bearings (thanks to Phil at PYI for a new set!) to replace the ones I dropped all over when I dropped out the rudder….;-)

The engine servicing is underway, the engine control panel has been moved to the vestibule (it was getting soaked in the cockpit), and I’m looking at a way to adjust the throttle at the engine without going outside for charging when it’s nasty and cold. Still fiberglass work to do to plug the hole where the panel came out, but it will happen (always too slowly for me….)

Mast: Our awesome freestanding/rotating mast by Ted Van Dusen (http://www.composite-eng.com/) has been getting a lot of stares while it is lying down. It very simple but so different from regular masts that even experienced sailors scratch their heads while checking it out, which gives me great satisfaction… I predict that someday most boats will go to freestanding spars. Anyway, we will soon be installing new halyards and running rigging by Samson ropes, using the latest Validator SK and Warpspeed lines (http://www.samsonrope.com/home/recmarine/index.cfm) great stuff! I’m also working with Samson on a new low-twist rope for luff ropes on roller furling code zeros and gennikers.

Sails: All of the sails are at various Doyle sail loft locations where they are rushing to fine tune them and repair anything they find. If the fundraising goes well, we really need to order a new working jib, reaching jib,
and storm jib made from Doyle’s new breakthrough durable cloth called “OceanWeave.”

Electrical: For the southern ocean we are installing a special compass (kind of like a gyrocompass, but different) that will work there. Configuring the wiring and NMEA data transferring systems has my brain in a knot, but thanks to the help from the folks at NEXUS (http://www.bruntonmarine.com/) I won’t blow a mental fuse. Also going in is a new PC with an ATHLON 2200+(1800mgz) CPU, I’m really excited about this one, I can’t wait! This kind of CPU performance is what I need with all the applications I run on the boat PC. (http://www.amd.com)

Supplies: We have gone through all of our crud (tools, extra ropes, blah, ba-blah) and organized it as well as possible so that we can find stuff when we need it in the coming rush to stock the boat for the trip. We’ll get the food later but I know I’ll be bringing a big box of Prometan bars! (www.marinersvitamins.com)
All of the above projects represent a fraction of all that is really going on, too much to list everything…

I have been “dialing for dollars” which has been going pretty well. Last week we were a good $95k from being able to make the start, but now it is down to about $80k! Mostly it is our existing supporters that have been closing the gap, but I’m hoping that we will keep getting more attention here in Newport soon and raise some “new money.” Next Tuesday I’m doing a talk at the New
Bedford Yacht Club which is a really nice place with a great junior program. Almost reminds me of my home club, the good ol Encinal YC in Alameda…
Special thanks to New Bedford YC member Victor Pinheiro (who I met in Horta in the Azores) for setting this up, and for loaning me his car while I’m here. Brave guy.

You may be getting a call from me soon, so have those checks and credit cards ready….:-) WE CAN DO IT! It sure would be nice to get enough for the start ASAP so that I can actually prepare myself for the race. I should be studying weather software (like the ‘Force 4’ routing software that I have by David Brayshaw’s ‘Local Knowledge’), etc, etc. I like to be prepared and time is
running out so the sooner the better.

Goin for it in Newport,
Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Newport, RI USA
August 15, 2002

She still floats!! What a relief to feel the boat in the water. Just the sound of the little harbor waves lapping at the transom makes me feel better.

Of course, the boat is dirty and there’s still a ton to do. But if we hurry we just might get Ocean Planet weighed tomorrow, along with the mast (part of the safety rules process). Hopefully we will also step the mast tomorrow, so we do the 90 degree inclination test and the 20 degree heeling test.

The “90” test is to provide data to calculate the “AVS” or Angle of Vanishing Stability which has to be the minimum of 125 degrees (or was it 127? It doesn’t matter since OP’s AVS is near 147!!). The “20” is really a test to make sure that you don’t heel more than 10 degrees each way with all of your water ballast and/or canting keel (depending on which you have) fully transferred to one side or the other.

It’s dark now and I was out driving and running errands for much of today so I’ll try to send some pics tomorrow….

Yes, I’m a nervous wreck sometimes if you were wondering. LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO BEFORE THE START OF THE AROUND ALONE!!! Thanks to all of our supporters new and old! Only about $60k to go to make the start! Keep ’em coming!! I’m going for it on the boat prep, so if we run out of time before we raise the $ it’s going to be a dicey situation with the bills …. But I have faith, ya just ‘gotta believe’ after having been so lucky so far.

If you are near Newport this weekend come on by, we could use your help!

Big thanks to Mariner’s Vitamins for the Prometan bars, as they keep me going when I don’t have time to stop for a bigger meal. Actually its been a good time to test out the new formulation. Verdict: They work, and they taste great (seriously)! Try some out and don’t forget to take your vitamins!
(http://www.marinersvitamins.com/)

More info and pics of the boat soon, I promise….hey, wait a sec… I just noticed a good shot and went outside to get it. I know you’re not supposed to have the flag up at night but I’m glad I did now….

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Newport, RI USA
August 20, 2002

I just recieved some great advice from my friend, Tim Kent, who is on his way back from the Azores on “Everest Horizontal.” He is also entered in the Around Alone, in Class 2 (40-50 ft).

Anyway, this is going to be my new training schedule to get ready for the race…..;-)

1. Sleep on the shelf in your closet.
2. Replace the closet door with a curtain.
3. Six hours after you go to sleep, have your wife/girlfriend open the curtain, shine a million candlepower flashlight in your eyes, activate an air horn, and yell “Roger Blough to the sailboat approaching my starboard bow!”
4. Run into the kitchen and sweep all the pots and pans onto the floor after having previously covered the floor with BB’s. Maneauver as fast as possible between the cupboards trying to put it all away. Must also be done at night, with clenched flashlight in teeth.
5. Tether yourself to a four wheeler, jump into a swimming pool, and have your wife/girlfriend drive laps around it until it runs out of fuel (the 4 wheeler, that is.) Should be be done at night, in at least third gear, while wearing strobe and blowing whistle.
6. Every time there’s a thunderstorm, go sit in a wobbly rocking chair and rock as hard as you can until you’re nauseous. For full effect, wear the dog’s hidden fence electric collar, and go out to the mailbox and back.
7. Put lube oil in your humidifier instead of water and set it to high.
8. Leave a lawnmower running in your living room for several hours per day to simulate recharging.
9. Have the paperboy give you a haircut.
10. Store up garbage in the other side of your bathtub.
11. Wake up every night at midnight and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on stale bread, if anything. Cold soup, or canned ravioli are optional.
12. Set your alarm clock to go off at random times during the night. When it goes off, jump out of bed, get dressed as fast as you can, and run out into the yard, adjust the tension on your clothsline.
13. Once a month take every major appliance completely apart and then put them back together. Do this in the dark with a flashlight clenched in your teeth, and your wife/girlfriend occasionally dropping a plate onto the floor behind you.
14. Use 24 scoops of coffee per pot and allow it to sit for 5 or 6 hours before drinking.
15. Install a fluorescent light on the bottom of your coffee table and lie under it to read books.
16. Raise the threshold and lower the sills on your doorways so that you either trip of hit your head every time you pass through one of them.
17. Lockwire the lugnuts on your car.
18. Tether yourself to the hood of your car, and use your hacksaw to cut off the luggage rack, while your wife/girlfriend drives down a two track, at night, in the rain.

That ought to keep me busy for a while!

Thanks Tim, and hurry up to Newport!

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Newport, RI USA
August 22, 2002

Last week I hooked up with journalist, Tom Meade of the Providence Journal, who wrote this nice piece about Ocean Planet. He tells it like it is about the need to raise more $, but I want to officially say that one way or another I’m going to be on that starting line!

Below is an article that came out yesterday in the Providence Journal:

“It’s all hands on deck so he won’t fall short. Bruce Schwab is relying on friends and family to support his single-handed adventure in next month’s Around Alone race.

08/20/2002

BY TOM MEADE Journal Sports Writer

“Dialing for dollars and playing it by ear.”

Bruce Schwab

NEWPORT — Most of the skippers in the Around Alone race are counting on large corporate sponsors to fund their race around the world, but Bruce Schwab is relying on friends and family to support his single-handed adventure.

The California sailor has raised about $1.4 million, spent about $1.6 million, and says he still is “dialing for dollars” to finance his participation in the race, which begins Sept. 12.

Schwab, 42, is the only American in the big-boat division of the race. His shore crew consists of volunteers devoting their vacation time to preparing his racing yacht, Ocean Planet, for the race.

On the return trip from his qualifying passage from the United States to the Azores, he sailed with two contributors from the Pacific Northwest and two of his most stalwart supporters — his cousin Lydia Vargas and his mother Anitia Jimenez. “She stood all of her watches except one, when she was really seasick,” Schwab said of his mother, “but she was always out there, the whole time. . . . I think she was surprised by how much movement there always is. There are times when you can’t stand up, you’re always being thrown about. I think that surprised her. On the other hand, now she has a feel for how I approach things, and what I know, and how tied in I am with this boat, so she probably feels that I’m safer now.”

Seven skippers remain registered for the race, officially starting Sept. 15 in New York City. They are scheduled to sail 50- and 60-footers. George Stricker retired from the Venturer class, crippled by insurmountable problems with his boat, said race spokeswoman Mary Ambler. In the 50-foot class, Bob Adams, Adam Lambert and Viktor Yazykov had to retire because they were unable to raise enough money to compete. In one of his frequent reports to contributors, last Saturday, Schwab said he still was $85,000 short of making the start.

The skipper has issued an open invitation for everyone to visit Ocean Planet at the Newport Shipyard, take a tour, and perhaps leave a donation behind.

The boat was designed and built for four years of racing around the world, first in the Around Alone, a stage race, and later in the 2003-2004 Vendee-Globe non-stop race around the world.

Tom Wylie designed the boat and Schooner Creek Boat Works of Portland, Ore., completed construction on April 5, 2001. British single-handed star Ellen MacArthur christened the boat.

Ocean Planet is narrower than other Open 60s, designed to be fast in a variety of conditions. The boat may be quicker getting to the Doldrums than its competition because it’s better sailing upwind. It’s also fast on the run, but probably will be slower when it’s reaching, Schwab concedes.

The keel blade is made of welded steel with a removable bulb. The upper part of the keel comes through the hull and out the deck like a daggerboard. The mast is an unstayed, round, rotating braided carbon-fiber tube fitted into titanium butt collars. There are about five feet of the mast’s base below deck, supporting about 80 feet of mast above the deck. Lying on saw horses at the shipyard last week, the mast was attracting a lot of attention.

The sailplan is a fractional rig with the jibs on free luff roller furlers, allowing for very fast sail changes and easy spinnaker jibing with no headstay, Schwab said. Runners provide headstay tension and rig stabilization.

The water-ballast system uses only two tanks.

Below, wood veneers give the boat a warmer feel than many other ocean racers with their sparse, black caverns. Schwab’s navigation station has a race-car seat that swivels, allowing him to face the windward side of the boat and use either of two computer screens.

When MacArthur was christening Ocean Planet, she teased Schwab about having installed a “sissy-ish toilet instead of using a bucket, like the rest of us,” but Schwab is a stickler about environmental responsibility and the ocean. Inside the sail locker, the toilet has a pull-down safety bar, like ones on roller-coaster cars.

Between the companionway and the cockpit is a vestibule that allows the skipper to go in and out without allowing the weather to get inside.

Behind the boat is a foundation Schwab spawned to get American youngsters excited about short-handed adventure sailing.

This week, crews were sanding the bottom of Ocean Planet, preparing it for the fluorescent-orange paint job race organizers require, and a friend was working on the rigging as Schwab worked the telephone, “dialing for dollars.”

The skipper is scraping. In Newport, he is staying at the home of marine photographer Billy Black, and he’s driving a truck lent by Victor Pinheiro, a member of the New Bedford Yacht Club whom Schwab met in the Azores.

He’s counting on a last-minute surge in contributions to get him to the starting line in New York, and is even offering a berth in the prologue race to anyone who contributes $10,000 or more. In one message to supporters, Schwab said he might have to play his guitar for tips in sailors’ bars.

As the start of the race comes closer and preparations become more frenzied, Schwab appears to be calm. “I’m playing it by ear,” he says.

Ocean Planet Report
From Around Alone “Ground Zero” in Newport, RI

Whew! Where were we? It has been a dizzying pace here, grueling but exciting as the other boats are arriving here for the start of the 2002/2003 Around Alone race.

One of the coolest things about getting ready for this adventure is the really neat people you get to meet. The sort of folks who set out to race sailboats around the world are very interesting and a lot of fun. We are all under a lot of stress, but help each other with advice, jokes, and minor ribbing to ease some of the pressure of the endless preparation.

Some of the great fellow skippers that are here now, in no particular order (next update I’ll do a review all the boats themselves) are:

Aboard the 40 footers in class 2 (the 40 footer class is going to be a great “race within the race”): Alan Paris of Bermuda aboard BTC Velocity. He is fast talker, quick-witted with a snappy sense of humor and also seems to have a good handle on his boat and systems.

Here is his boat:

Skinny, we like that!

Dereck Hatfield of Canada with “Spirit of Canada” is a very relaxed guy who looks like a tough and strong sailor. He sailed here direct from the Azores the “north” or the hard way in remarkable time for a 40. He and his partner Patty Ann have been fun to talk with. I like his strategy to raise funds, I wonder if we should have tried it (his boat is COVERED with names!):

Here’s Derick and Alan having a rest this afternoon.

This was before we all got together with photographer Billy Black and our friends to run out and greet fellow American and class two entry Tim Kent on Everest Horizontal. We had beer and pizza ready for Tim and his crew as they had a SLOW trip back from the Azores, so we knew they would be ready for it! Here you can see how excited Tim’s crew was to arrive!

Also just in town is Brad Van Liew, the favorite in class two aboard “Tommy Hilfiger’s Freedom America” (that’s a long name!). Brad is a good friend and loves to joke around, but his boat is very serious:

We still have a lot to do on my own rocket, Ocean Planet, but at least she’s clean thanks to “Bam Bam” (Andrew Oleksiak):

We are working on a number of things at once, one that I’m really excited about is our all new running rigging by Samson Ropes, it’s gorgeous! Thanks to my pals at Svendsens Marine and to Jason Winkel for all the splicing work, well done guys.

The only other 60 in town now is Thierry Dubois’s “Solidares.” Theirry is very experienced and it will be fun to race him! More pics later as I don’t want this letter to get too big….

I’ve been going at it full speed except for a quick trip last weekend to Seattle to be at my brother Steve’s wedding, where Jeanie and I met at the airport. This is the first time we’ve seen each other for months. A day and half later we said goodbye at the airport…a short time together until she makes it out to the start in New York. No one said this adventure would be easy….9 months until I get to go home again…wow!

Thanks so much to the supporters who keep sending the donations. We are getting closer, but I’m still having to cut some corners that I wish I didn’t have to…but we will be at the start, somehow, no matter what, I promise. Just keep ’em coming as I need to at least make the boat safe as possible for the race!

More soon,
Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
August 28, 2002

Hi, pesky (but favorite! – ed.) singlehanded sailor Bruce here again…. Below is the latest press release from the Around Alone race organiztion, for those of you getting ready to follow the race:

http://www.aroundalone.com/
PRESS RELEASE, 28 AUGUST 2002

The race arrives in Newport, RI!

Tim Kent has safely arrived with Everest Horizontal in Newport, RI
Patrick de Radiguès sails in to Newport, RI on Garnier in time for lunch today!
Emma Richards lies 800 miles from Newport, RI on Pindar
Party time begins as the skippers play host to various events
New Race Website to be launched next week
Official Merchandising and International Race Guide
Important Media Information

______________________________________________________________________

Newport, RI – Activities are getting under way for next week at the Newport Shipyard on Washington Street, as the Around Alone 2002-03 officially ‘opens’ on Sunday September 1^st. Already half of the fleet are in port, including veteran American entrant Brad van Liew and Open 50 Tommy Hilfiger Freedom America, Japanese skipper Kojiro Shiraishi with Open 40 Spirit of yukoh, Canadian Derek Hatfield and rival Open 40 Spirit of Canada, and French skipper Thierry Dubois, with Open 60 Solidaires.

Below please find a selection of the latest news from the competitors plus useful media information.

Latest News from the Competitors

Tim Kent and crew on Open 50 Everest Horizontal arrived in Newport, RI last night, and in his latest update, reflects upon the past, present and future.: “I left Charleston, SC on my solo qualifying trip a month ago. Some truly frightening moments, many hours of light-air frustration, my 50th birthday, 20 knots of boat speed surfing down waves, and the accomplishment of a 2,450 mile solo voyage across the Atlantic have taken place between then and now. Newport holds boat measurement, scrutineering, paperwork, boat prep, electronics repair, and fund raising – lots of fund-raising. I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can in between the myriad of jobs that await us. I truly thrive on your support – come and see us there. Before most of that happens, I am flying home to see my daughters, Whitney and Alison, whom I have not seen for almost two months. THAT is what I am looking forward to the most. The magic wand has still not waved, so we still need your support of our program; please contact Cheri Kent at cheri.kent@everesthorizontal.com. Your donation may be tax-deductible.”

Next to arrive is Belgian skipper, Patrick de Radiguès, who has sailed single-handedly over to Newport, RI from home base of Arcachon, France onboard Open 60 Garnier. This solo trip was not only a voyage of discovery and intense training for him and his boat, but also one of qualification for the race itself. His has arrived in Newport, RI literally within the last hour after he tackled the final miles in light airs after 20 days at sea. In true European style, he said earlier today: “I’ve arrived in time for lunch!”

Sole British, female skipper, and the youngest competitor in Around Alone 2002-03, Emma Richards, is still 800 miles from Newport, RI onboard Open 60 Pindar, and has just sent in this update: “Only 800 miles to Newport, still a few days and awkward systems to encounter but I’m still up for the challenge. From my Ostar experience in 2000 of finishing the single-handed transat in Newport, I will expect problems until the moment I get to the dock! Probably the same ones – fishing buoys, fog in the shipping lanes, bleeding the diesel engine (generator) as the fuel runs out, then to finish off when you think you have survived the worst of it, the breeze that has guaranteed you will be in before the pub shuts dies. But at least I am expecting it this time, and I promise I will try to accept it in good humour!”

Party Time !

Thursday, 28^th August is the send-off party for Tim Kent, before he starts the 28,000m Around Alone single-handed sailboat race! The party starts after 6:00 pm at the Milwaukee Ale House on Water Street in the Third Ward, on the lower level deck and the Hop Side Down bar. Complimentary “Ale House Buffet” dinner will be served and plenty of complimentary Louise’s Demise Ale, always a favorite with the sailors! There will be a $10 donation at the door to indulge in Louie’s Ale and $20 to indulge in Louie’s and the Ale House Buffet. Tim does not have a corporate sponsor and everything helps. Merchandise will also be available. See you there!

The Bermuda Department of Tourism are hosting a reception on Tuesday Sept 3^rd from 6 – 8pm at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI to celebrate the spirit of courage and adventure embodied by Bermudian Alan S. Paris as he gets ready to embark on his Solo Global Sail. Learn why Paris put aside a successful, high profile career as the general manager of actor Michael Douglas’s idyllic Ariel Sands hotel in Bermuda to become the first Bermudian to enter Around Alone. Paris will be available for interviews, and viewings of his boat BTC Velocity. If you are keen to come along, please contact:

Michelle Grant at Lou Hammond & Associates on Tel: (212) 891-0228

New Race Website to be launched next week!

There will be a TOTALLY NEW website for Around Alone 2002-3, to be launched next week. Also, we are integrating a NEW 3D Race Viewer ‘Voyager 2020’ – www.voyager2020.com – all of which we hope will be well received by the many ‘virtual’ followers of Around Alone. There will be an Online Media Centre section to inform you all about the official media team, TV schedules, video, photography and PR/web operation, local media centres, with the ability to register online for the race press releases and a Multimedia Library as well.

Around Alone 2002-03 Merchandising & Official International Race Guide

Team One Newport is selling Around Alone 2002-03 merchandising next to Belle’s restaurant in the Newport Shipyard from September 1^st. This is also available online from September 2^nd when the new website launches. The Official International Race Guide, a 28 page glossy souvenir program with all the info on the skippers and the race, will be sold to the public off the same stand for $4 a copy from 6^th September.

Contact: Team One Newport, 561 Thames Street, Newport, RI

Tel: 800-847-4327 – Email: sales@team1newport.com – Website: www.team1newport.com

Important Media Information

There will be local media centres in both Newport and New York (as well as the other ports). Please note that in New York there will be no free internet/telecomms connection for the media. Details below:

Newport, RI:

Address: Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington Street, Newport RI 02840

Telephone: (401) 619 0555

Website: www.newportshipyard.com

Telecomms: Cox Communications are providing the telecomms infrastructure.

Capacity: approx. 40 workstations plus several computers.

Opening Dates/Times: 0930 – 1830hrs from September 1st until the 12th for the Prologue start.

New York: Address: Essex Room, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, 12th avenue & 46th Street, SW Manhattan, New York – Website: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Telecomms: Verizon – Capacity: 30 workstations

Opening Dates: NB this will not be open until Saturday 14th September so anyone arriving earlier must make separate working arrangements. The centre will be open from 0830 – 1930hrs both Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15^th September.

Accreditation: A blueprint photo ID pass system will operate in each port so don’t forget to bring two passport pictures (we will have a polaroid camera in case). Once accredited, you can use the same pass in every port. You can arrange your accreditation when you arrive at the media centre, but it is advised that you give advance notice of your arrival to Mary Ambler via email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

NB – For New York, you MUST arrange accreditation in advance with me, and bring extra photo ID to enter the Intrepid Museum complex.

Press Boats for the starts: these will not be laid on free for anybody, media included. Further information about press boats will be given when Mary Ambler arrives on 6^th September, however please notify her by email if you are intending to go out on the water for the start. NB in NYC: One end of the NY start will be off Battery Park, Manhattan, which affords a spectacular viewing platform for the start on dry land.

Media Team & Operation: Mary Ambler, the Around Alone Media Manager will be in the media centre in Newport on the 6^th September, and can be reached from that time on the following number: Cell: (401) 524 3513. Until this time, please contact her on: Tel +44 2380 237 088 or Mobile: +44 7887 643 583 or via email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

Journalist and seasoned sailor, Brian Hancock, the ‘voice’ of Around Alone 2002-03, will be in Newport, RI from the 1^st September. Brian will be getting out all the stories on the race and interviewing the skippers in port and as they arrive, so read his reports on the new website from next week.

PLEASE CHECK THE RACE WEBSITE FOR ANY FURTHER INFO OR EMAIL MARY AMBLER, MEDIA MANAGER, AROUND ALONE 2002-3: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

NOTES:

For more information on Around Alone 2002-03, contact:

Mary Ambler, Media & Race Communications Manager

T: +44 (0) 23 80 237 088 – F: + (0) 23 80 237 081 – M: +44 (0) 7887 643 583

Email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

Around Alone 2002-03 will gather in Newport, Rhode Island (USA), and depart for a crewed prologue race to New York on 12^th September 2002. The start will be given on Sunday 15^th September 2002 from New York. The race takes the fleet from New York to Torbay (England), then Cape Town (South Africa), Tauranga (New Zealand) and Salvador de Bahia (Brasil), before returning to Newport in April 2003. The official entry list of competitors consists of 14 competitors from 10 different nationalities; 7 in Class I and 7 in Class II.

Visit the official web site: http://www.aroundalone.com

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
August 30, 2002

Ocean Planet Around Alone Update:
Prologue Race and ‘Sail for America’ announcement

Wow, the prologue will be fun and the scene in NY is getting bigger all
the time. What an honor it is going to be to represent the US in class
one! Check it out:

http://www.aroundalone.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newport, RI, September 3, 2002 Clipper Ventures plc, organizers of the solo around the world yacht race, Around Alone 2002-03, today announced a partnership with the Newport International Boat Show as sponsor of the prize for the event’s Prologue Race from Newport to New York. The Prologue Race, a crewed, 160-mile race to Manhattan, will set off from the Newport Boat Show’s location in Newport Harbor on Thursday, September 12, the opening day of the Show.

The actual start of the Around Alone race was diverted from Rhode Island to New York City to allow the race to be part of “Sail for America”, one of the events marking the first anniversary of September 11^th. The partnership of the Newport Boat Show with the Prologue Race will help to recognize Newport’s homeport status of Around Alone 2002-03. According to Nancy Piffard, Show Director, “The Boat Show will run September 12 -15, the same days as the events in New York, so this sponsorship will allow the Show to honor those who died in the September 11^th attack by drawing the attention of our audience to the commemorative activities in New York.”

The Prologue Race will be a unique part of the Around Alone race because the participants won’t be alone! Along with the fourteen skippers of these 40′ to 60′ sailing yachts, crews of up to five sailors will be part of teams taking the boats to New York. The NIBS PRIZE, as this Newport International Boat Show Prologue Race Award is called, will be awarded to the crew of the winning boats in the Newport to New York leg. Each skipper will receive a two day stay at Newport’s beautiful Castle Hill Inn & Resort when the Around Alone yachts return and cross the finish line in Rhode Island Sound next Spring, and each crew member will receive a gift certificate from this acclaimed restaurant/hotel.

Pre-show viewing of the race preparations will be part of the Boat Show experience for many. And, as the racing yachts proceed by the docks of the Show, exhibitors and visitors alike will be part of the send-off for this international yachting event and add to the message that New York and the rest of America is “setting sail” once more. Indeed, the nearly 400 boats being displayed in the water at the Show, along with more than 500 on-land exhibits, will be true testimony to the strength of the American economy and the American spirit that race participants and the world’s press, gathered in Newport for the Around Alone send-off, will take with them.

Last year, over 20 million dollars worth of cruising yachts, accessories and equipment was sold at the Newport Show by the companies who already had their displays in place as the tragedy of September 11 unfolded. This year, most of those same companies and more will be back in Newport carrying on with “business as usual”, serving the American boating enthusiasts The Newport International Boat Show will be long remembered not because of the NIBS PRIZE but more because of the way it represents the strength and the excitement of the international boating community at this premier boating event of the year!

The Newport International Boat Show is for people with a passion for boating and, just as importantly, it is representative of the American public’s passion for life.

NOTES:

The NIBS prize will be awarded by a representive of the Newport International Boat Show onboard the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum on September 13th after the boats arrive in New York.

Hi-res images are available online at www.press.newportharbor.com; more information about the show is available at www.newportboatshow.com.

For more information contact:

Carol Dietz

The Newport International Boat Show, Newport, RI

MEDIA ADVISOR/DIETZ

3 Fox Run Road

Portsmouth, RI 02871

T: 401 683-7667

E: medadvsor@aol.com

For more information on Around Alone 2002-03, contact:

Mary Ambler, Media & Race Communications Manager

T: +44 (0) 23 80 237 088 – F: + (0) 23 80 237 081 – M: +44 (0) 7887 643 583

Email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

Visit the official web site: http://www.aroundalone.com

Michelle Grant at Lou Hammond & Associates on Tel: (212) 891-0228

New Race Website to be launched next week!

Around Alone 2002-03 Merchandising & Official International Race Guide

Contact: Team One Newport, 561 Thames Street, Newport, RI

Tel: 800-847-4327 – Email: sales@team1newport.com – Website: www.team1newport.com

Important Media Information

Newport, RI:

Address: Newport Shipyard, 1 Washington Street, Newport RI 02840

Telephone: (401) 619 0555

Website: www.newportshipyard.com

Telecomms: Cox Communications are providing the telecomms infrastructure.

Capacity: approx. 40 workstations plus several computers.

Opening Dates/Times: 0930 – 1830hrs from September 1st until the 12th for the Prologue start.

New York: Address: Essex Room, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86, 12th avenue & 46th Street, SW Manhattan, New York – Website: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Telecomms: Verizon – Capacity: 30 workstations

NB – For New York, you MUST arrange accreditation in advance with me, and bring extra photo ID to enter the Intrepid Museum complex.

PLEASE CHECK THE RACE WEBSITE FOR ANY FURTHER INFO OR EMAIL MARY AMBLER, MEDIA MANAGER, AROUND ALONE 2002-3: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

NOTES:

For more information on Around Alone 2002-03, contact:

Mary Ambler, Media & Race Communications Manager

T: +44 (0) 23 80 237 088 – F: + (0) 23 80 237 081 – M: +44 (0) 7887 643 583

Email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

Visit the official web site: http://www.aroundalone.com

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
Sept 1, 2002

As the other boats entered in the Around Alone arrive with their busy crews, I’m feeling quite alone even though there is a constant stream of visitors. It is intimidating to watch 4-5 experienced pros scurry about on the hot Euro 60’s looking after the scores of details it takes to get a boat ready to race around the world.

What remains to be done on Ocean Planet is within reason, but there is no way to prepare too much. I’m a total “worry wart” about preparation, and I want to finish up soon enough to take a breather before the start of the race. To start exhausted would not be a good idea. With the Sept 15th start in the busy New York Harbor, there won’t be any sleep for a while until well offshore…and I don’t think I’ll sleep much in the prologue. There’s no one here to help me right now, so HELP WANTED!

After flying back from Seattle last weekend, I was so busy for a few days that I spaced out about taking my vitamins and sure enough, now I’ve gotten a lousy cold and feel like hell. Oops, I should know better and now is not a good time to have my head feeling like a water balloon. Yuk!

But even though I feel like sleeping, I couldn’t resist going over to greet Simone Bianchetti who arrived today on “Tiscali,” and Bernard Stamm who came in yesterday on “Armor Lux.” Tiscali is the ex-Whirlpool that was raced by Catherine Chabaud in the last Vendee. Also here is “Garnier,” which is the ex-“Aquitane Innovations” that Yves Parlier raced in the last Vendee, heroically finishing with a rebuilt mast that he repaired himself while at anchor

Tiscali (ex-whirlpool)

Here’s Garnier (ex-Aquitane Innovations):

Due to arrive tonight is Emma Richards on “Pindar” (the ex-“Gartmore”), who will be a big attraction. Everyone is wondering when Graham Dalton will show up with Hexagon/HSBC, the newest boat entered in the race. In fact, they may be quite late and there is the possibility of a time penalty. This issue is a hot topic of discussion here and also whether technically Dalton finished his qualifier before Sept 1st……The politics in the America’s Cup has nothing on the Around Alone these days! Anyway, I hope he gets here quick as I want to check out the boat…..;-)

These boats are awesome machines and will be tough to race competitively against with the budget we’ve had (or NOT had, I should say….) to work with. But Ocean Planet will have her moments, and I’m really here to learn and gain the experience I need for the 2004 Vendee Globe, our long term goal.

Of course, one of the BIGGEST reasons to do any of this is the wonderful characters that you meet along the way. The other skippers, their support team members, the guys in the yard, the race organizers, and those who have raced (or tried to and didn’t finish) are the most interesting folks you can imagine. Last night was a BIG party at former AA (BOC back then) competitor Tony Lush’s house in Jamestown. So many cool people were there! I didn’t feel well and was going to go home early, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet and talk to as many as I could. Then my friend Joe Colpitt handed me his awesome carbon fiber guitar……I might as well tell the truth, we played and sang music in Tony’s living room until late…. then it was up at 5 a.m. to get going on the boat and rigging.

No wonder I’m tired!

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
Eight days to go!!!!
Sept 4, 2002

Seems like just yesterday Ellen McArthur christened Ocean Planet, but it was last April, a year and four months ago….my, how time flies.

Much of that time has been spent in boatyards, on both sides of the country, working, working, working. That’s what it takes to get a boat ready to sail around the world.

As reported earlier today, last night we stuffed the boat into the travelift haulout pit for yet another haulout, albeit just for the night, and I do mean stuffed, The water wasn’t quite deep enough, and we had go full throttle into the mud to get in there…

Dick Horn, the IMS and Americap measurer from San Francisco was here to do the final measurements for the IMOCA safety rules. That’s why we had to get out of the water again (while he is here, he also measured “Bayer Acensia” and “Everest Horizontal), but that’s not all we had to do.

Turns out that we had some very bizarre dings in the hull that obviously took a fair bit of force, in addition to the bulb at the bottom of the keel being scraped up from being shoved through the muck. For the bulb we wetsanded, toweled it dry and put on some more bottom paint (all we had time for, for now). But on the hull dings, the process meant a long night of work. Here are some of the dings after initial digging out:

Whatever hit us did it hard enough to squish the outer layer of wood, but was stopped cold by our layer of kevlar just underneath the wood, preventing any penetration into the foam core. Just like it was supposed to, good test! Here Gilles Campan, ex-patriot French sailor and repairman extraordinaire cleans out the dings further before sealing with MAS low-viscosity resin (this resin is the best thing for sealing the damaged wood so that no water will get into it):

Then we dry the whole area out with heat guns while we ran out for a quick dinner:

While all this was happening some volunteers were wetsanding the keel and bulb preparing for touch up paint. Later I took this shot, just because I thought it looked cool at night…..

Anyway, after all this the end result is that by morning we had the spots filled and painted in time to relaunch at 5 a.m. at high tide. Unfortunatly, it wasn’t high enough and we were stuck again in the haulout pit. So we hooked the masthead halyard to a yard forklift, heeled the boat way over and drug her out. Not fun, as I could feel us scraping up the bulb again after all our work! Sheesh! But that wasn’t the end of the heeling for the day.

The last safety test for IMOCA is the 90 degree heeling test where they measure how much force it takes to hold the boat heeled at 90 degrees. The amount of force is used in calculations by an IMOCA engineer to figure out the “AVS” (Angle of Vanishing Stability), which must be a minimum of 125 degrees. Ocean Planet is WAY over the minimum, but we had to do the test anyway, as well as all the other Open 60’s. Of course this was a good opportunity for me to see what we did to our paint job on the bulb with our trek through the boatyard goo:

Yes, it is scratched up, but it is not that big a deal and we don’t want to keep going in and out of the water forever. Eight days isn’t much and there’s a lot to do!

Tuckered out but impossible to stop,
Bruce

Remember, if you don’t want these updates let us know and we’ll take you off the list right away. Starting Sept 15th (the day of the official start from NY), I will TRY to do the updates daily…

Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
Eight days to go!!!!
Sept 07, 2002

Trouble, big time! After a frantic worldwide search by many insurance brokers
on behalf of the race organization and the competitors, the only policy that
has been found for the required $3,000,000 liability insurance has a premium
of nearly $17,000!! This is for each of the six boats still needing the
coverage. We are one of those boat!

The race rules require that each yacht carries the $3M liability insurance
irregardless of whether or not they have “Hull” insurance on the boats
themselves.

Insurance for the boats (in my case, Ocean Planet) have not been found at all
except through IMOCA “sponsor” (ha!) MMA of France who offers “Hull” coverage
with a premium of 17% of the boat value. This means the premium for Ocean
Planet would be around $170,000 for the race!!

This is a dicey situation for me and the other five boats that need to cough
up the $17k for just the liability insurance only, as that amount seriously
detracts from the budgets for supplies, sails, preparation, etc.

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A LIABILITY CLAIM ARISING FROM ANY RACING ACCIDENT DURING THE 20 YEARS OF THE AROUND ALONE, yet due to the post 9-11 tightening of
insurance underwriting, the relatively small marine coverage market has almost
totally dried up.

I will do whatever I have to, to be on the starting line, but I really hate to borrow more money just to pay this extreme premium. If there was ever a time topitch in (I know, you’ve heard THIS before…) this is it. Or if you know anyonethat can knock some sense into some insurance underwriters, there are sixboats who will buy insurance from them if they can offer a reasonable deal.
And insurance on the boats would be nice too!!!!

Oh, by the way, Ocean Planet is ALMOST ready to rock….

Working at it!
Bruce

Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Update
Eight days to go!!!!
Sept 10, 2002

http://www.aroundalone.com

8 September 2002

Newport, RI – Media Alert

SKIPPERS’ MEDICAL / SAFETY BRIEFING AT NEWPORT SHIPYARD
MEDIA PARTY AT THE CLARKE COOK HOUSE!
PRESS CONFERENCE & PHOTOCALL AT NEWPORT SHIPYARD TUES 10TH AT 11AM
HSBC PHOTOCALL & MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION CHALLENGE
SEND OFF DINNER HOSTED BY RISYC & NEWPORT SHIPYARD
NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW BREAKFAST & PRIVATE PREVIEW
WATCH THE START – DETAILS OF THE PROLOGUE RACE
OFFICIAL RACE MERCHANDISE AND PROGRAMME ON SALE!

MONDAY 9^th SEPT, 11am – 3pm, Newport Shipyard: Medical / Safety Briefing

The Around Alone skippers will all go through a medical and safety briefing before the start, parts of which are open for the media. Come and find out how a skipper deals with vital medical procedures when they are the only crew onboard!

Contact Mary Ambler, Media Manager on email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com or telephone on cell: (401) 524 3513 to register your interest for more details.

MONDAY 9^th SEPT, 6 – 8pm, Clarke Cook House: Media Party!

The Clarke Cook House in Newport, RI is hosting a special party for media and the Around Alone teams in honor of the race. This will be held in the Grille Room, where there will be an open bar and hors d’oeuvres provided. We welcome you to come and join the Around Alone community in a relaxed atmosphere, and meet all the skippers for one of their last nights on land.

Please RSVP by 9^th September to Mary Ambler, Media Manager, by email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com or telephone on cell: (401) 524 3513

TUESDAY 10^thSEPT, 11 – 11.45am, Newport Shipyard: Around Alone Press Conference & Photocall

After the mandatory Skippers’ briefing prior to the Prologue Race, all the skippers will gather for one time only at a pre-race Press Conference and Photocall. Figures from past Around Alone/BOC Challenge races will also be present, and two unique trophies for the race will be presented for the first time in public. This is your final opportunity to ask questions to all the competitors directly and catch them on film altogether for one time only!

TUESDAY 10^thSEPT, 12pm, Newport Shipyard: HSBC Photocall

There will be a photo call following an announcement on Monday, September 9, of a major development in the HSBC Global Education Challenge, the official online education program of Around Alone 2002-2003. The program is spearheaded by HSBC-sponsored round-the-world sailor Graham Dalton, who is competing in Class 1 with his 60-foot solo racer Hexagon.

40 students from Bain Middle School are visiting the Around Alone fleet at the Newport Shipyard on Tuesday and will be asking skippers their questions during the press conference.

TUESDAY 10^th SEPT, 7pm onwards, Newport Shipyard: Welcome to Skippers and Pre-Race Send Off Dinner

The Around Alone has named Newport, RI the official home port for the 2002-03 Race. The Rhode Island State Yachting Committee and the Newport Shipyard are hosting a special occasion for you to meet and greet the skippers before they set off on their round the world adventure. A Champagne Social will be followed by an aromatic and succulent clambake with a cash bar.

Cost of attendance is $100 per person, and as seating is limited and it is invitation only please RSVP quickly via Email: muffin@aqis.com

THURSDAY 12^th SEPT, 8 – 10.30am, The Mooring Restaurant, Sayer’s Wharf (on the Show site): Newport International Boat Show Press Breakfast & Private Boat Show Preview

The Producers of the Newport International Boat Show, sponsors of the Around Alone Prologue Race Award, cordially invite members of the press to a Continental Breakfast and Private Boat Show Preview from 8am on Thursday 12^th September, the morning before the Around Alone fleet set out from Newport, RI. Located just next to the Newport Shipyard, there will be time for journalists to get in a sneak preview of the Show before heading out to watch the Prologue Race start at 4pm in the Harbor.

Please RSVP before 10^th September: (401) 846 1115

Or to Mary Ambler, Media Manager, by email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com or telephone on cell: (401) 524 3513

THURSDAY 12^th SEPT, 4pm – off Fort Adams: The Around Alone Prologue Race!

Starting procedure – The starting line is between the special flagpole flying a yellow flag on the west side of the Fort and # 11 Green Bell buoy off the Dumplings.

The starting sequence is:

3.50 pm Flag “W” – Warning signal, one gun

3.55 pm Flag “P” – Preparatory signal, one gun

4.00 pm both flags lowered – START, one gun.

The Newport Artillery Company is providing the starting cannon and Governor Lincoln Almond will be the Honorary Starter of the race. Race information will be broadcast on Ch 72 VHF. A US Coast Guard patrol will be present.

Watch the start – For anyone going out on their own boats, a series of small orange marker buoys will be laid off the east side of the channel and spectator boats are encouraged to keep inside these marks to permit the competitors a clear channel for the start. Excellent viewing of the race start will be at Fort Adams State Park in Newport and Fort Wetherill in Jamestown. Additional information about the race can be obtained by calling 619 – 0555

Media Boats – if you haven’t already registered for a media boat, but you are still interested in coming out to watch the start, please put your request in to Mary Ambler, Media Manager, as we will be finalising numbers and co-ordinating this on Monday 9^th September.

—————————————————————————————————

The Official International Race Guide is also available in the media centre and free for journalists.

Team 1 Newport are selling Official Around Alone Race Merchandise in the Newport Shipyard and online at: http://www.team1newport.com/

Don’t forget to come down to the Cox Business Services Media Centre at the Newport Shipyard. Media going to the Shipyard need to ensure they register there first, and bring your business card or press pass with you for ID. There are several computers installed and plenty of workstations to use, thanks to Cox Business Services.

NOTES:

For more information on Around Alone 2002-03, contact:

Mary Ambler, Media & Race Communications Manager

T: + (401) 524 3513

Email: mambler@clipper-ventures.com

Around Alone 2002-03 will gather in Newport, Rhode Island (USA), and depart for a crewed prologue race to New York on 12^th September 2002. The start will be given on Sunday 15^th September 2002 from New York. The race takes the fleet from New York to Torbay (England), then Cape Town (South Africa), Tauranga (New Zealand) and Salvador de Bahia (Brasil), before returning to Newport in April 2003. The official entry list of competitors consists of 13 competitors from 10 different nationalities; 7 in Class I and 6 in Class II.

Visit the official web site: http://www.aroundalone.com

Bruce

A Marine Odyssey Around the Globe

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