Samsung last Global boat into France

by Rachel Anning on 6 Jul 2005 The last yacht, Samsung, has arrived in La Rochelle, bringing to an end Leg 6 of the Global Challenge and the parties are in full swing.

All of the crew is now unwinding before the last leg which will take the yachts, once again, back in the homeport of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

La Rochelle is typical of all the ports of call, hosting a wealth of activities for the sponsors, crew and spectators held captive by the race and there could be further cause for celebration as the world waits to hear just who will host the 2012 Olympic Games, with France and London being touted as the front runners.

Looking back at the race, there was the cocktail reception held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Wellington to the glitzy Prize Giving party held at Star City Casino in Sydney to the fabulous Corinthian Yacht Club party held in Marblehead.

La Rochelle is no exception and the same high profile event organisation has been as much a part for this pit stop as any other port of call.

Tomorrow is the crew’s official welcome party and BBQ at the SRR Yacht Club (Societe Regates Rochelaises - Yacht Club du Port des Minimes) where crews will be able to regale each other with stories of their adventures and introduce their family and friends who have visited La Rochelle in their droves.

On Sunday there is a yacht open day where the general public will be able to visit the yachts and chat to the crews and skippers. The ‘sailing mad’ French are expected in their hundreds – as was seen with yesterday’s race arrivals - so even more crowds of visitors are expected on what is traditionally a normally very busy day.

In the evening, the Lord Mayor of La Rochelle will be guest of honour at the official Leg 6 Prize Giving ceremony, to be held at the Bassin des Chalutiers, where the yachts are moored.

As well as first, second and third place trophies, there are a raft of sponsored prizes, from the BG Group 24 hour distance record to the Unisys/ EMC Media Prize and Rubber Chicken Award, the BP Safety Award and the first yacht to cross the start line award, sponsored by Pindar.

Sir Chay Blyth said, ‘there is a certain standard that is expected of the Global Challenge, where we strive and I believe succeed in being the best at what we do.

‘With the exceptionally high profile sponsors that the race attracts, it’s crucial to have the right image. Challenge Business has become market leaders in our ability not only to organise world-class races, but world-class events, that run in conjunction with those races. A huge networking and marketing machine with an international reputation.

‘When the yachts come into port, the crew don’t have to get stuck in to sorting out their yachts; there’s a full support team looking after the boats enabling the crew to get off and actually make the most of where they are and celebrate with each other, and their family and friends.

‘The boats are racing yachts and need to be treated as such, so we have a specialist technical team who fly from port to port.

‘The race brings millions to ports of call around the world when one considers the sheer numbers of crew, sponsors, friends, families and supporters, and cities fought to get us to their ports. We’ve been treated exceptionally well in every single port of call and the race has been an enormous success. It’s amazing to think it’s nearly at an end.’

www.globalchallenge2004.com

*Amended by Sail-World