From the feedback - 19/04/01

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From Jeremy Tolhurst
Will the British Farr 40s be wiped out by the foreigners at the Worlds? Fortunately all the British Farr 40s that have been over to America have showed at some time that they can mix it with the best of the rest. Mark Heeley's fourth in Key West and Tony Buckingham's fourth in Miami are the two highlights of the British expedition to America this year. You can also add to those regatta performances, outstanding race performances by Warlord and Dawn Raid, who both showed that whilst they didn't have the consistency of the other two they could still perform. With a top class British fleet developing and a circuit revolving around the Solent, where the Worlds are going to take place we are going to develop a highly competitive fleet that should be able to put up a good showing in September. Anyway Mr Bentley must have only watched one mark rounding because from my recollection the two coaches at the event thought the crew work was of the highest level and, hey, they only helped us to win three gold medals and two silvers at the last Olympics.

From Peter Morton
Will the British Farr 40s be wiped out by the foreigners at the Worlds? What a complete load of rubbish you publish. There is virtually no difference between the standard of the British fleet and US fleet. Mark Heeley came a good fourth in Key West in a fleet of 38 boats (in his first Farr 40 regatta) and Tony Buckingham was also fourth in Miami. How much Farr 40 sailing has Peter Bentley watched in the US? I have done at least 10 regattas there so do have a little experience. The Brits will do just fine at the Worlds.

From Brian Trubovich
Were the Kiwis smart to take the money? At the time it was a smart option, as Peter Blake had left Team NZ in ruins, with no thought for the next defence, therefore many members of the team felt they had no option but to move on, and those that stayed did so out of loyalty and little else. However the new dynasty is (in my opinion) a greatly improved one in attitude, and a lot of those who departed would not be welcome back, but there are one or two who may be seen as an asset to the new team.

From Richard
Pete Goss companies closed. I think it's an absolute tragedy. Goss had the courage to blaze a trail into unknown territory and marketed his ideas better than any of his counterparts. Everyone knew it was always going to be a high risk programme and unfortunately things didn't work out. Goss is a man of courage and fortitude and I hope that he soon bounces back with other new and interesting ideas because this is a man who makes things happen.

From Ian Flint
Is this a race or just an adventure holiday? I think it is the most foolhardy race in the world with inexperienced crew paying money that many sailors cannot afford. At the same time,I would have expected that all crews would have been given a briefing on the nature of the race and safety measures that they need to utilise. It would be extremely difficult for novices to understand initially and they would have to learn on the race course. No doubt it must be an exciting adventure for all crews involved,especially when they complete their dream (and I hope they all do). Enough said.

From Drew Fernandez
I am amazed at the BT Global Challenge this time around. It has been so close on each leg of the race this time. As a member of Toshiba Wave Warrior in the 96/97 BTGC the fleet was not as close as a whole. In our race the top three/four boats stayed close but the rest were much more spread out. We also had the same boats finishing in almost the same places each leg. This time the crews seem closer and the boats faster and more crew injured, not to mention the collision. It has been fun to watch and a bit frustrating not to be a part this time.

From Fergil Antz
Is this a race or just an adventure holiday? Definitely a race, rather than a holiday. When I first heard of the BTC a few years ago, it was explained to me (with great derision) by another racer. I wanted to hear more before forming any opinions. Since then I've been working for Quokka, hosting the BTC forum. From all I've learned since, it seems to me that these BTC crews are no different than any other crews who put their time and money towards a campaign. Some of them are brand-new to racing, but we all were in that position once. It can be compared to the "paid" Everest expeditions. Those climbers may have spent big bucks, but no one carried them to the top...they earned it. The same goes for the BTC crews, in my opinion.

From Steve Carson, commodore of Grafham Water
BUSA Team racing at GWSC. Little whinge time. It's a shame when just about the only thing that gets mentioned about Grafham is the "infamous mud". It's been kinda raining for ever around most of the country and most places are muddy aren't they? It p....s me off to be honest. Cambridge University Cruising Club did a great job but there were quite a few members of GWSC scurrying around in the background - having taken time off work - plus the staff, and Grafham Catering, without whom, the thing wouldn't have happened. It's so easy to give these folks a plug and make them feel that somebody appreciates their time and effort. Every sailing club in the country needs volunteers to do their bit and the odd thank you helps.

From Terry Terman
Team Legato spent 5.5 hours in Las Palmas, not The Race's 72 hour minimum for a third stop. Will 66.5 hours be added to her 'official' time? Las Palmas was more than 30 days after Club Med won, so does this rule still apply to Tony and crew? Therace.org says Warta-Polpharma finished Apr 10, 18:31 GMT -- 100d 5h 31m after Dec 31, 13:00 GMT start -- but her official time is 99d 12h 31m due to 17 hours credit for TV antenna repairs.

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