KINGFISHER2: CHANCE OF DEPARTURE EARLY NEXT WEEK IS IN THE BALANCE...

IN BRIEF

* Probability of KINGFISHER2 departing early next week has decreased to 50%
but crew still expected in Lorient for Sunday

* High Pressure zone moving further north than expected

* Decision to depart now delayed for another 24-36 hours - MEDIA will be sent
an email update as soon as decision on departure is taken plus visit
http://www.teamkingfisher.com for latest information

IN DETAIL

Ellen MacArthur following a weather briefing with KINGFISHER2's weather
router, Meeno Schrader this morning has confirmed that the probability of
KINGFISHER2 departing early next week has lessened from 70% yesterday to 50%
today. It is now in the balance whether the window of opportunity will
remain although the crew are expected still to return to Lorient. "We
haven't given up on this weather window - far from it," said MacArthur. "But
looking at the weather models this morning we can see the High Pressure is
moving further north and this is not so good for us."

The High Pressure zone needed to create the northerly air flow to propel
KINGFISHER2 south was identified early this week but now shows signs of going
further north this would result in the wind coming from a more westerly
direction and looking further ahead may bring very light winds west of
Gibraltar.

Standby mode is still AMBER and MacArthur and her crew are still hoping the
weather window will hold but the decision to go will be delayed for another
24-36 hours.