BT Global Challenge Team Veritas thanks everyone.

by Babs Day on 17 Mar 2001 Message received from Team VERITAS this morning

Dear Friends

Team VERITAS have had a pretty tough time recently and although faced with adversity, have as always
pulled through. Although we are missing Charlie and Robert following our encounter with a freak wave in
the Bass Strait, we are still very much Team VERITAS - racing in the BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE.

As a leader, the early hours of Monday morning were the longest of my life and would have been
impossible if it had not been for 17 incredibly brave people. My team members, like me, are ordinary
people but that night went through an experience that all of us will never forget. They will forever be a
shining example to all around them. The fact that NOT ONE of them left the yacht and within three hours
of docking in Port Eden had repaired VERITAS and were on their way back to sea speaks for itself. It is
an honour to be their skipper and I am filled with pride as I watch them now, trimming hard on deck,
determined to catch up with the fleet some 200 miles ahead.

Almost from the minute we were hit we were never alone, within seconds our friends on board Quadstone
were in touch and since then we have received many many e mails and satellite messages wishing us
the all the best. Like Charlie and Robert, many of you have urged us on and I would like thank you
personally for that for it has been a major factor in bringing the sixteen of us back up to speed. We are
determined to get back in the fleet, this leg belongs to Charlie, Robert and all of you who wish us well.

We will be out here night and day whilst you work, rest and play. WE WILL GIVE THIS TOUGH LEG 100%.

We thank you for your kindness and support, keep it coming, it means a tremendous amount to all of us,
including Robert and Charlie.

Fair Winds

Will, Debbie, Charlie B, Ian T, Ian L, Malcolm T, Stephen, Malcolm M, Will B, Kevin, Peter, Tina, Emily,
Babs, Mark, Alistair.

www.veritas.com/btchallenge