Corinthian Challenge Round the World Yacht Race

by Peta Stuart-Hunt on 11 Sep 2004 Today (GMT) at the Southampton International Boat Show, Sir Chay Blyth, Executive Chairman of Challenge Business announced the second confirmed entry for the Corinthian Challenge 2006/7 and the the ports the race will visit.

With more than two years to the gun for the new Corinthian Challenge the interest level for this round the world race is starting to snowball as aspiring global racers want to find out more about this ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to realise their dream of global ocean racing.

The latest team to enter the Corinthian Challenge is the Royal Signals Yacht Club, with their Challenge 67 aptly named Adventure. Like its namesake, the Nicholson 55 Adventure in the original Whitbread Race, Adventure is being provided and supported by the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre. For the race, the yacht will be crewed exclusively by serving members of the British Army's Royal Corps of Signals.

Sir Chay remarked, ‘As a former British Army 'para' I am delighted that the Army will be participating in the Corinthian Challenge. It will be a true test of man against the elements, with camaraderie and competition to spur the best from the whole crew. This is just what HM Forces adventure training should encompass, and I warmly welcome Major Roberts and the Royal Signals Yacht Club.’

Referring to his own participation in the 1973/4 Whitbread Race Sir Chay continued, ‘My yacht Great Britain II was crewed by paratroopers and amongst our keenest rivals were the predominantly Navy crew on Adventure. Now that the Army is represented by the Royal Signals Yacht Club, it would be great to see the Navy take up the challenge as well.’

The Royal Signals team is managed and skippered by Major Charles Roberts of the Royal Corps of Signals. Also present was the Club's Admiral, General Ashley Truluck, himself a veteran of the Whitbread, having raced as crew onboard Adventure in 1973/74. The crew of Adventure will be selected from the Royal Corps of Signals and it is planned to involve approximately 72 individuals in the race, with crew changes after each leg.

Speaking at the briefing, Major Roberts said ‘The Royal Signals entry in the Corinthian Challenge will provide a unique experience for the soldiers that take part in the race. It will enhance their team work and leadership abilities as well as pushing them to their limits.

These are skills which the British Army regards as essential in its soldiers and officers and it will provide excellent training for the demands that are now placed on the soldiers of today.’
To date some twenty-five teams have expressed serious interest in participating, and are organising yachts and campaigns for the Corinthian Challenge.

A team from Australia is in discussion with the race organisers and it is hoped their entry will be announced shortly.

Support from Whitbread veterans

Aptly described as capturing 'The Spirit of Ocean Yacht Racing', the Corinthian Challenge will follow the ethos of the original Whitbread Race by opening the doors of global racing to private yacht owners and ambitious club racers alike.

The race, which starts from the UK in September 2006, was inspired by Sir Chay Blyth's participation in the inaugural Whitbread Race in 1973/74 when he took line honours on Great Britain II. It was therefore fitting that other veterans from that first Whitbread Race joined Sir Chay for the announcement today.

Representing Adventure were Roy Mullender BEM, who skippered the yacht on the final leg, and Vice Admiral Sir George Vallings KCB, skipper for the Sydney to Rio leg. Roddie Ainslie, whose son Ben triumphed in the Finn class at the Athens Olympics, was skipper of the Ocean 71, Second Life, and Les Williams who skippered Burton Cutter, were also present to give their support.

Commenting on the Corinthian Challenge, Sir George Vallings said ‘There was something unique about the first Whitbread race that is splendid to see recreated in the Corinthian Challenge. I wish Sir Chay and all the teams, especially Adventure, every possible success.’

Corinthian Challenge stopovers

Andrew Bishop, Director of World Cruising Club, announced the names of the latest confirmed ports of call for the Corinthian Challenge; Cape Town, South Africa, and Wellington, New Zealand. The race, which takes the classic round the world route, will call at seven ports during the 8 competitive legs.

Andrew Bishop said at the briefing ‘We are currently in detailed discussions with ports and organisations in the Canary Islands, Western Australia, South America and the Caribbean about stopovers for the Corinthian Challenge. Further ports of call will be announced as the hosting arrangements are confirmed.’

Confirmed entries to date:

Innovation K2, VOR60, Hilary Cook & Peter Hopps, London Corinthian SC Adventure, Challenge 67, Charles Roberts/Royal Signals Yacht Club.

The Corinthian Challenge Notice of Race is available at www.corinthianchallenge.com
The Corinthian Challenge is open to mono-hulled sailing vessels, within an IRC TCC range of 1.140 and 1.450, with a minimum length of 58 feet (17.66m).

The Corinthian Challenge will start from the south coast of the United Kingdom in September 2006 and call at the Canary Islands, South Africa, Western Australia, New Zealand, South America and the Caribbean.

World Cruising Club, is part of Challenge Business, which was founded by Sir Chay Blyth 12 years ago.

A selection of maps and free images are available for media use.

http://www.corinthianchallenge.com/news.html