Global Ocean Sailing Ventures (GOSV) today announced that the Global Ocean Challenge 2007/08 will make Charleston, SC the penultimate stop of this international yacht race. By the time the fleet of 40 and 50 foot sailboats arrive in the United States in April 2008 they will have sailed 23,000 nautical miles and will have visited South Africa, New Zealand and South America before closing the loop and finishing back in Europe.

�Charleston has a long history of hosting racing fleets and we are very excited to add a race of such importance to our agenda,� said Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. �This fleet of short handed sailors will share their enthusiasm and sense of adventure with our citizens and I am certain our citizens will return the favor with gracious southern warmth and hospitality. Charleston will provide an endearing experience that the competitors, their teams and families will not forget.�

The Global Ocean Challenge is a competitor driven event and race organisers have chosen stopover ports that welcome around-the-world sailors. �Charleston is a perfect city to host our race and we look forward to working with local sailors and city officials to make this an amazing stopover,� said Race Director Josh Hall. �In my career as a solo sailor I have sailed into and out of Charleston and know the warmth of the people of South Carolina and feel sure that they will embrace our event.�

Brad Van Liew, Around Alone veteran and champion solo sailor expressed his support. �I moved to Charleston after being exposed to its charm during the 1998-99 Around Alone. While participating in two Around Alones and countless other races I have never seen a host port with so much enthusiasm. Now, I am in the fortunate position as Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation, to host the Global Ocean Challenge in 2008. Our annual Charleston Maritime Festival will function as an exciting wrap around event to showcase the Global Ocean challenge fleet.�

The race restart will be staggered with the 40-foot division setting sail on 14 May, 2008, the first day of the festival, and the 50-foot division setting sail three days later on 18 May, 2008, the last day of the festival. Both fleets should converge on the finish in Europe two weeks later to complete their 27,000 mile circumnavigation of the globe.

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