Paul Standbridge joins GBR Challenge

by Mark Bullingham on 17 Oct 2001 It was announced today that Paul Standbridge, one of the
most experienced British offshore sailors, is to join GBR Challenge.
Standbridge will be assisting Ian Walker with the sailing team management,
in addition to offering an extra coaching resource and years of competitive
experience.

Standbridge's record includes 13 Fastnet races, five Whitbread Round The
World Races - most recently as skipper of Toshiba in the 1997/98 race - and
bowman of the last British America's Cup campaign in 1987. He joins the
team this week, from his role as Skipper of Stealth, Giovanni Agnelli's 92
foot super maxi. He is now based in Auckland, along with Nicky and Max -
his wife and young child.

GBR General Manager David Barnes commented: 'As the organisation has evolved
so to must the management resource. Paul was our number one target and we
are very pleased that he has decided to join us. I think it says a lot
about the increased profile of GBR Challenge that Paul has agreed to move
his family to the other side of the world and become part of the team.'

'Paul's immense experience will help in all areas of the project, but in
particular he will assist Ian Walker in many of his day to day
responsibilities, allowing Ian to spend more time on the water. '

Standbridge was clearly pleased to be involved: 'I was very excited to be
approached by GBR Challenge. Having sailed with the last British Challenge,
I know what's involved and am looking forward to joining the team.'


PAUL STANDBRIDGE

Date of Birth 4th February 1959
Place of Birth Poole
Marital Status Married to Nicky
Children Max - aged 2

Started sailing age - 4 yrs old

Professional since 20 (23 yrs)

Profession/Qualification: Engineer. RYA DOT Yachtmaster

Sailing background
1999 - 2001 Consultant to Giovanni Agnelli's Stealth programme,
including
victories in the America's Cup Jubilee UBS
Round The Island Race, line honours in the 2001 Fastnet and the
Trans-Mediterranean record from Marseille to Tunisia

1997-98 WRTWR - Toshiba - Skipper

1995 Admirals Cup - Jameson Whisky

1993-94 WRTWR - Intrum Justitia - Helmsman / Trimmer

1993 Jules Verne Record attempt on board ENZA

1991 Admirals Cup - Port Pendennis - with Lawrie Smith

1989-90 WRTWR - Rothmans - bowman & helmsman

1987 White Crusader - British America's Cup team - bowman

1987 Admirals Cup - Irish Independent Full Pelt with Jo Richards

1985-86 WRTWR - Atlantic Privateer - bowman

1981-82 WRTWR - Xargo III

Thirteen Fastnet Races, including line honours in the 2001 race

Hobbies: Skiing, Mountain Biking.