Yacht Racing .com

Fossett and Cheyenne Underway at 1610 GMT
Expect to Cross Ouessant RTW Startline Saturday 7 Feb 0300 - 0600

Dramatic Departure from Dock

1610 GMT - 6 Feb 2004 - Plymouth, Devon, UK - Not without a suitably dramatic background, Cheyenne skipper Steve Fossett and his 12 person crew set off this afternoon from Plymouth

Photo © Claire Bailey 2004

Yacht Haven en-route to the official Round The World start line at the French island of Ouessant. Crossing of the startline is expected between 0300 and 0600 GMT Saturday.

As the projected 4 pm departure approached - with the wind still gusting to 30 kts and driving rain soaking support crew, friends and family, just getting off the dock seemed to be a challenge.

The tug captains advised that they had another job - and could return in 2 hours. The sun conveniently reappeared, accompanied by calmer conditions and the powerful tugs pulled the 125' catamaran off the dock and around the headland into the late afternoon glare.

The 120 mile trip to Ouessant (Ushant) is expected to be rough - with 40-50 kt SW headwinds predicted until close to the projected start time - when the winds should shift to the Northwest.

Stay tuned for additional information tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

All of Steve Fossett's adventure challenges are supported by Michelob ULTRA, the new low-carbohydrate premium beer from Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer.

For further details and regular position updates, please see: www.fossettchallenge.com