Channel 4 returns to sailing

by Tim Kelly on 9 Aug 2006 Clipper Ventures PLC today announced an agreement with Channel 4, the UK terrestrial television channel, to screen high drama action from the VELUX 5 OCEANS, the single-handed round the world race. Through Clipper Ventures' strategic partner Global Sportnet, Channel 4 has committed to broadcast sailing for the first time since 1987, choosing the Ultimate Solo Challenge that is the Velux 5 Oceans.

Andrew Thompson, Head of Sport at Channel 4, is dedicated to bringing new and edgy sports to their viewers: 'We are delighted to take up this great opportunity with the Velux 5 Oceans. Solo sailing is surely one of the most exciting and ultimate extreme sports around, with these intrepid sailors literally putting their lives on the line every second they are at sea and then recording it all for us to watch from the comfort of our living rooms. With colourful characters such as Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Alex Thomson and Mike Golding battling it out on the high seas, we are expecting to see some terrific action as they circumnavigate the world.'

Channel 4 will begin screening the Velux 5 Oceans from January 2007 within its weekend a.m. sports zone. Additional repeat screenings will be shown within their late night sports zone. Television production for the race is being provided by APP Broadcast, using video footage sent direct from the skippers as they sail around the world alone, recording the traumas and tribulations over 100 days at sea.

The Velux 5 Oceans is a classic race in the world of single-handed sailing that kicks off on October 22. Covering 3 gruelling legs from Bilbao (Spain) to Fremantle (Australia) to Norfolk (USA), and then back to Bilbao, the race will use the latest technology to send back footage and host live video meetings throughout this epic journey. Boasting one of the most diverse international line-ups in sailing, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, a sailing legend and the first man to sail around the world non-stop single-handed has chosen to make a dramatic return to sailing and compete in the race.

For information on television broadcast rights for the Velux 5 Oceans, please contact Ian Wilson Young at Global Sportnet at iwilson-young@globalsportnet.com. For more information on Channel 4, please contact at Deborah Poulton, Deputy Editor, Sport.