Fossett still 'Code Red'

Two crew changes announced due to delayed start

Still waiting for a pattern combining a good start out of the English Channel and across the Bay of Biscay followed by a reasonable passage through the Canaries and south to the equator and the Doldrums, Steve Fossett re-confirmed today Cheyenne's 'Code Red' through until 8 February - and several crew moves necessitated by the delayed start.

Adrienne Cahalan has been selected navigator for Cheyenne's round the world record attempt, replacing Stan Honey whose prior commitments as navigator on the new Pyewacket mean he no longer has time to sail round the world. Thomas Coville has also had to leave the program due to his commitments to relaunch his 60 foot trimaran Sodebo at the end of March. Coville's replacement has not yet been selected.

"I am disappointed for Stan and Thomas that after over a month of intense preparations they do not get to make the trip," said Fossett. "It is a disadvantage we have in trying for sailing records that we must wait for the right weather forecast. Fortunately, Adrienne was available - we know she is a top navigator, and we will not lose a step in Cheyenne readiness."

Cahalan was named Yachtswoman of the Year in Australia for her role as co-skipper and navigator for Maiden II's highly successful 2002 records program - with a trio of official world records: the 24 Hour of 694 miles, cross-Channel, and Antigua-Newport records.

Adrienne was also navigator on PlayStation (now Cheyenne) for the Fastnet course record of 35 hours 17 minutes set in March 2002. She is a veteran of 12 Sydney-Hobart races and has been navigator on two round the worlds: on board Royal & Sun Alliance's 1998 record attempt when they were dismasted in the Southern Ocean and the 1993-4 Whitbread on Heineken.

All of Steve Fossett's adventure challenges are supported by Michelob ULTRA, the new low-carbohydrate premium beer from Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer.