EDS Atlantic Challenge Awards

... Team Gartmore take time out to announce the results of their EDS Atlantic Challenge Award Ceremony

Electronic Excellence Award
For his 48-hour burst of microchip wizardry -- breaking the camera, blocking the satphone by punching in his own cellphone PIN number, and crashing the autopilot at the touch of a button.....don't let this guy near your cocktail mixer.

The awardee prefers to remain anonymous but the prize is going outside of Europe.

Video Award
For spending 40 minutes dressed in survival suit, video camera at his eye, crawling around the deck in a 50 knot storm, seeking those real images of just how tough it can be out here as waves swept over him.......... remember to take the lens cap off next time...
Josh Hall

Most Successful Web Material Writer
Awarded for his superbly researched and deeply moving articles on green beer crates and udder cream......the only crew member to receive fan mail on the letters page of the race site (thanks Ray)..... the champagne, caviar and large cigar goes to...
Ollie Dewar

The 24 Hour Endurance Chili-Eating Award
Three meals of Chili Con Carne in one 24-hour period, the final one mixed in with a Chicken Curry dish (nice touch from a real pro)... please stand well clear of...
Javier 'Hotlips' Sanso

The Hooker Prize for Literary Achievement
Showing an acute talent for repeat reading and the accurate memorising of names, telephone numbers, complex quotes and story lines.
His subject: Hustler Magazine
Ollie Dewar

The Acting AWARD
Again no clear winner but for both individual and group performances of pretending to be fast asleep when some crisis is happening on deck, excelling once again it's...
Team Gartmore

Best Moment of the Race Award
Sunset last night.....the sea was a placid, rolling mirror to the fire-red sky as the sun dipped over the western horizon. The five of us sat in our favourite place, on the top spreaders. We were entranced and as twilight descended the moon took over as provider of light. We seemed to be following its mercurial path across the waves.

A whale breached the surface, leaping for the stars as a parade of dolphins lined either side of the boat walking on their tails. With tears in our eyes we kissed the PBO rigging we were hanging on, maritime bliss.