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MARBLEHEAD, MA, JUNE 15--The Around Alone Race 50-footer Great Circle was 750
miles from her destination in the Azores when she reported in to her shore
base on June 11. Her position was Lat. 40N, Long. 44W.
"Last night was pure magic," reported skipper Brian Hancock, who is preparing
for the Around Alone solo race around the world that starts from Charleston,
SC, in September. "The sky was clear and the brilliance of the stars was only
diminished by the brightness of a full moon."
"We were cruising at 15 knots and the boat's wake left a ghostly rooster tail
four feet high as we surged forward to the Azores."
Campaign supporters Robert Fellows of Iowa City, Iowa, and Wayne Kentner of
London, Ontario, Canada, are sailing with Hancock to the Azores on this
shakedown voyage as he prepares for the solo qualification that lies ahead.
After reaching the Azores, the crew will fly home while Hancock sets out
alone on the 2,000-mile voyage to Marblehead to qualify himself and his
Ebbut-designed ocean racer for the Around Alone Race.
"All the systems on board are working great," Hancock reported by SatCom-C
electronic mail from the boat. "This is a fantastic vessel with great
potential for success in Class II of the Around Alone."
Great Circle's overnight spurt was followed by slower speed after daylight.
"Today we have light winds and we're surrounded by rain squalls that come and
go," Hancock said. "We have plenty of company out here. We have been sighting
pilot whales, while dolphins have been pacing us and playing in the waves
streaming off our bow.
"What more can I tell you? The crew is happy and the food is good. This is
nice work if you can get it!"
With the backing of two campaign partners, Comwell - Consultants to
Management and Offshore Sailing School, Hancock has his sights set on the
winner's berth in Class 2, of the Around Alone, open to yachts under 50 feet.
When the Around Alone entry list closed on March 1, there were 39 competitors
representing 14 different nations. The four-leg, 27,000 mile solo marathon is
known as "the toughest race for an individual in any sport".
Background information, photos and more news about the Great Circle campaign
can be found on Hancock's web site at http://www.greatcircle.org where
automatic email updates can be requested. Great Circle's mailing list is
sponsored by NetCove Services, your safe port for business on the Internet,
http://www.netcove.com.
Photos for media use are available upon request.
For more information, contact:
Keith Taylor Taylor Associates
781-837-8833