New sponsor for Challenge yacht

Prior to major Global Challenge crew announcement at Schroders London Boat Show

BG Group, a leader in the natural gas industry, has announced its involvement in the 2004/2005 Global Challenge Yacht Race, which starts in October 2004 from Portsmouth, UK. The 72ft yacht, known as BG Spirit will be one of 12 boats competing in the 10-month event.

The skipper and crew for BG Spirit will be announced at the Schroders London International Boat Show, tomorrow. The Skipper will be the only professional sailor aboard BG Spirit as she sails the 'wrong way' around the globe, against the prevailing winds and tides. The 15 core crewmembers are from all walks of life, united by one common objective, to achieve something extraordinary and experience the challenge of a lifetime.

Frank Chapman, chief executive of BG Group, who will himself be taking part in the race, said: “the mind-set and skills of ocean racing – teamwork, professionalism, commitment and determination - fit well with BG Group’s performance ethos and are the attributes that we look for in all of our employees. We see the Global Challenge as an excellent platform for both internal and external communication. I am very much looking forward to joining the BG Spirit crew on one of the legs in this fantastic challenge.”

BG Group will have two employees on each of the seven legs of the race, selected from BG geographic regions around the world. Following a three day qualifying sail and intensive Challenge Business assessment in Southampton last autumn, the BG Legger Squad of 18 was chosen. The Leggers will also find out which leg of the race they will sail at the Boat Show on Saturday 17 January.