BT Challenge - Update

by BT Challenge HQ on 13 Sep 2000 Challenge yacht Logica was involved in a minor collision with a fishing boat just before
midnight last night.
The yacht, skippered by Jeremy Troughton, reported to race headquarters, in
Southampton, at midnight that they had been in collision with the boat at 23.33 GMT but
that no-one had been hurt.

The incident happened almost immediately south of Lizard Point with Logica being hit
amidships on the starboard side. It suffered some compression and filler damage but
does not appear to be shipping any water.

First reports indicated that the fishing vessel continued to motor into the night.

Falmouth coastguard were immediately informed of the incident and offered help which
Logica declined. A description of the fishing boat, which had no identifying marks, has
been passed to the coastguard who are investigating.

Norwich Union, who were in a close run race with Logica at the time of the crash, are
helping the coastguard in trying to identify the fishing boat.

All the other BT Global Challenge fleet were informed of the incident as a safety
precaution. Family and friends were also told of the accident straight away.

Logica have continued racing and are currently in seventh place, 18 miles behind the
leader.

Meanwhile the wind has picked up since yesterday afternoon reaching speeds of 15
knots. The fleet has passed the Scilly Isles and is now heading into the Atlantic. The
average boat speed yesterday was 6.9 knots with the yachts this morning reaching 8
knots.

The field is currently being led by LG FLATRON, while nine miles behind is Compaq
followed closely by Spirit of Hong Kong. Trailing at the back are BP and Olympic
although still only 37 miles separate the front and back runners.