Oceanracing 2002 - Around Alone

Absender: "Aroundalone"
Datum: 24. Dec 2002 07:47
JOHN DENNIS RETIRES

In the early hours of Saturday morning John Dennis came to an inescapable conclusion; the shaft that drives his alternator and water ballast had frozen and without power and ballast he knew it would be foolish to continue on to New Zealand. After much soul searching he turned the boat around and pointed the bow back in the direction of Cape Town. By doing so John knew that his chances of continuing the race were minimal, and a day later he sent a short email announcing his official retirement from the Around Alone 2002-03. It was a poignant note.

"It is with great regret and enormous disappointment that I announce my retirement from the race. From the start I've experienced equipment issues, and it's now too late for repairs to get to New Zealand safely and in time for the next leg. I want to thank Bayer Diagnostics for all their support and sponsorship, and Grant International and other supporters for their help and encouragement. I have tried hard to complete this voyage. I am personally defeated, devastated, and disappointed also for my sponsor. To my wife Penny and children Stephanie and Frank I love you and treasure you and I am so sorry for the hardship I have caused you. To all those following me, I am sorry too. My diabetes did not defeat me -- diabetics can compete."
When any competitor retires from this grand adventure it is a sad day for all the competitors. The line between being an entrant, and not, is fine and hangs on many variables. These boats are highly strung racing machines and equipment failure can happen to any competitor. Ask Simone Bianchetti who almost saw his race come to an end when his mast fell down on Leg 2. The relentless wind and weather finds weak spots on all boats, and unless the skipper is diligent he could fall victim to gear failure without much warning. And then there is plain old bad luck. For John Dennis it was a bit of both. He fielded a terrific entry that was plagued by lack of time, and time is an offshore sailors best friend. From the moment he announced his campaign it was a race against time. The boat needed a lot of work to get it ready for a solo circumnavigation, and from day one John and his team were behind the 8-ball. This lack of time was the eventual downfall of his campaign. In hindsight five days in Cape Town was not enough time to prepare the boat for the long, tough passage that lay ahead. When Bayer Ascensia left South Africa it was sound, but before long small weaknesses were found and in the end it was mechanical failure that forced his retirement. Had there been more time in South Africa this problem might have been avoided, but perhaps not. ItÂ’s impossible to foresee everything that might happen while at sea, and so it was more bad luck than anything else that forced JohnÂ’s hand.

His sponsor, Bayer Diagnostics reindexs supportive. They to issued a statement that read: "We salute John Dennis, his dream, and the epoch journey we were fortunate enough to embark upon with him over the past six months. John came to us with his life-long dream, to participate in a single-handed global sail, and he wasn't going to let his diabetes limit him. And it was that determination that made Bayer decide to sponsor John as skipper of the Bayer Ascensia. Ascensia means to "ascend and achieve," and in John's case, it's been just that - a journey of achievement and effort. John's sheer participation in this race - becoming the first person with diabetes to set records for both crossing the Atlantic and finishing the Cape Town leg - speaks volumes to the mental and physical obstacles he had to overcome and ultimately the winning attitude that got him here today. We're honored to be associated with John for not only making history, but for serving as an i nspiration to people with diabetes worldwide about what can be achieved through active self-management."

John will arrive in Cape Town late on Christmas Eve and be berthed at the Royal Cape Yacht Club where he'll spend the holiday with close friends. There are ongoing discussions with the race organizers as to his further role as a participant. It will have to be in an unofficial capacity and the biggest problem with an unofficial entrant is one of safety. John could conceivably join the rejoin the race in Brazil, but should he need assistance on the last leg, would it be reasonable to ask on of the official competitors to divert to help? ItÂ’s questions like this that have to be weighed. On the other hand JohnÂ’s humor and compassion are important ingredients and his message about diabetes is compelling, so there is some discussion about an honorary role. We will keep you posted. Meanwhile there will be another piece about JohnÂ’s campaign posted later today if last minute Christmas shopping al lows.
--- Brian Hancock great.circle@verizon.net