ROLLOVER TEST FOR "AROUND ALONE"
DUNKS SKIPPER JOHN DENNIS
Dennis makes history as the first skipper
with diabetes to compete in a global, solo yacht race. Test
run to Azores follows, Sunday, July 28, from Newport.
THE ROLLOVER: The dramatic rollover
of Dennis’ 50-foot yacht “Ascensia” involves
using a crane to flip the boat in the water and turn it upside
down with skipper John Dennis inside. The purpose is to both
check the boat for leaks and test Dennis’ ability to
re-right his boat from a stable capsize. The test is required
for certification in the race.
THE PERSONAL STORY: In addition to the
thrill of racing 28,000 miles alone around the world, John
Dennis faces the additional challenge of maintaining his health
– routinely testing droplets of blood in an Ascencia
monitor to watch his blood sugar levels. John does not take
insulin but adjusts his blood sugar principally through diet.
Racing alone around the world has been
a lifelong dream of John’s based on a promise he made
to his father as a child. When John was diagnosed with diabetes,
he thought his dreams were shattered, but he has learned that
with vigilant monitoring of his health, he can control his
diabetes - a challenge he’ll have to maintain while
taking his boat through rough seas and unpredictable weather
Skipper, John Dennis:
-- 57-year old commercial real estate
manager from Toronto
-- Veteran of 40 long-distance voyages covering over 90,000
nautical miles
-- Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes eight years ago.
-- Becomes the first skipper with diabetes to compete in race
of this kind
Boat, “Ascensia”
-- Open 50, class II entry
-- Sponsorship: ASCENSIA, brand name for Bayer Diagnostic’s
products for blood sugar monitoring and services to help people
with diabetes self-manage their condition
“Around Alone” is the longest
race for any individual in any sport. It is a 28,000 mile
global sailing race held every four years since 1982. Around
Alone will begin September 15 in New York with a “prologue”
race starting September 12th in Newport.
