Updates from around the Around Alone Fleet proving that getting to the starting line is a most humbling challenge:
Neil Hunter- Good news. Neil is on his way to Newport RI to pick up a new mast. Neil and the mast will retrun via truck in the next few days. The used mast awaits Neil at Goetz Marine Technology.
www.no-barriers.com- Good News. According to skipper Neal Petersen, the boat is 95 % ready. He is awaiting new sails from North South Africa.
Fedor Konioukhov- Bad News. Modern University for the Humanities suffered great damage after riding out a hurricane. Due to the tremendous devaluation of the Russain ruble, funding these repair is proving difficult. Basically the sponsorship dollars he once had are halved by the falling ruble. "He's a hardy adventurer if ever there was one," said Race Director Mark Schrader, "and he'll get the boat repaired for the race if it's at all possible." To learn how you can help Russia's first ever entry in an around the world race click here
Andrew Darwent- Bad News. While in transit to Charleston via the Atlantic Darwent broke both of the rudders on board his self built Open 50 Heart of England. He is returning home and will not make Around Alone.
Brad Van Liew- Good News. Van Liew has secured a title sponsor for his Class II entry. From now on, the boat will be known as Balance Bar. This is due to Balance Bar producer of engery bars and drinks coming on board as his main sponsor. Balance Bar has been repainted, and is back in the water.
Josh Hall's and Marc Thiercelin Good News. Both have stopped at Bermuda. It is believed at least in the case of Hall, he stopped to fix a broken spreader. After that they will head for Charleston. They are expected before 1200 on Saturday so as to avoid an hour for hour penaly for arriving late.
Paul Thackaberry- Bad News. Paul had trucked Volcano to Charleston from his home base in Michigan. Upon arrival in Charleston he was informed he needed insurance to work on the boat. However due to Group 4's recent incident he is having difficulty securing the nescessary coverage. Still, he has every intention of overcoming this and making the race.
Robin Davie- Good News. It is expected that Davie and his 48 footer South Carolina will leave today on their 2000 mile qualification voyage. Still, he will start the race with a very large hour for hour penalty.
Group 4- A crew from the builder in France has arrived. They plan around the clock work to ready the boat.
Wind of Change- Bad News. In an email received from Steve Baker designer of the Wind of Change 40's it was learned that Bob Adams will not be racing. According to Baker, "He has decided not to enter the race due to a variety of issues, foremast being the lack of a sponsor and lack of preperation time."
Wind of Change- Good News. Also, according to Baker, "Viktor has apparently found some sponsorship, but I have no details and no corraboration beyond rumors."