Opening Of The Puma Mast Challenge in London

by Camilla Green on 9 Jan 2009 There was an unusual sight in London's Potters Field this morning, as well known stars of sport David Bentley (Tottenham Hotspur) and Lucy Boggis (Heptathlon/Gladiator) climbed aboard a 70ft round-the-world sailing yacht to explore, pose for pictures and for David to winch Lucy on a brave climb up the imposing 100ft mast.

The event is part of PUMA's venture into sailing; the global sports lifestyle brand has entered a boat in the historic round the world yacht race, the Volvo Ocean Race, which started in Spain in October.

PUMA is bringing a piece of the race to British shores with a replica boat that will give the general public and media the chance to get up close and personal with the race.

Currently the PUMA team on il mostro are lying 3rd in this epic event and are in Singapore preparing for Leg 4 to Qingdao, China.

The two stars are both ambassadors for PUMA, and today marks the start of three days where the public can visit the replica il mostro boat, take part in the 'mast challenge' and get the chance to explore a real high speed ocean racing yacht.

The mast challenge is the public's opportunity to come and winch friends/family/colleagues up the 100 ft mast (the same height as a ten storey building) and gain some insight into what it would be like to be thousands of miles from land with a 40 knot wind raging around your head.

David Bentley said: 'I really enjoyed it, it wasn't what I expected it to be. It's massive, I'd love to have a go and I'd love to go to sea. I just can't imagine staying on one of these boats for 35 days, it must be awesome. It's been a great a day.'

Lucy Boggis said, as she came back down to he deck having climbed the mast: 'That was just brilliant ­ it's so high! The view of London was amazing and it was a perfect day, we were really lucky.'

Alongside their entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA has launched a full range of marine clothing and apparel, from offshore sailing gear to onshore lifestyle fashion. The Performance collection was developed and tested with the team itself, and is worn by the team throughout the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09, whilst the Lifestyle Collection takes inspiration from the sport.