Around Alone News

Around Alone 2002-03 Developments 1 August 2001

Reports from England indicate that 3 USA cities are being 
considered for an Around Alone stopover. However, Charleston 
which has previously hosted the start and finish of the race 
has pulled out of contention. Perhaps the race will return to 
it's roots in Newport RI? Could it be Baltimore, which has 
both a Volvo Ocean Race stop and one in the upcoming Open 60 
event- the EDS Atlantic Challenge? 

The possibility exists that Around Alone could mount a joint
effort with the Route de Rum, the French single handed race. 
This would make Around Alone a 6 leg event. The start would
be in the USA and thence to France. Here the Around Alone
fleet would join up for the Route de Rum which sails to
Guadeloupe. Then it would be from Guadeloupe to traditional
Around Alone port Cape Town. Then to Auckland which is also a
traditional leg, then Punta Del Este and a return to the USA. 
This would essentially give the Around Alone a new stage in the 
Atlantic and then a second half with a traditional Southern
Hemisphere route. Seems like a progressive project to pursue. 
Three sailors expected to be on the starting line are Brad Van 
Liew, Viktor Yazykov, and Kip Stone. All three will be
entered in Class II for 50 footers. 

Van Liew and Yazykov competed in the last Around Alone. 
Yazykov is building an Owen Clarke design Open 50. The boat 
is being built in Italy. 

Kip Stone is a Maine based sailor. However, he chose the
British design firm Owen Clarke. The boat will be built in
Australia at Mconaghy's yard. 

Brad Van Liew recently purchased Magellan Alpha that finished 
2nd in Class II with Mike Garside sailing it. Van Liew 
believes he has the fastest boat, and will name the craft once 
he secures a main sponsor.