Velux 5 Oceans - Alone-Round the World Yacht Race www.velux5oceans.com - Übersicht 15.04.2007 HMS OCEAN Brightens up a grey day Race start still on hold as noreaster storm moves through Norfolk As the scheduled start of the third leg of the VELUX 5 OCEANS came and went with no yachts out on the water, so the forecast noreaster storm arrived that has caused the postponement of the departure of this final stage in The Ultimate Solo Challenge. As Norfolk sits in the middle of the vicious low pressure system so the city is expecting a large thunderstorm to hit around 18:00 local time and deliver winds in excess of 35 knots this evening, gusting 40 knots. Kojiro,Robin u. Bernard mit Captain Virginia is still on Tornado Watch and has issued a Gale Warning. Monday does not look any brighter, with winds between 25 to 30 knots, gusting 45 knots, and holding through until Tuesday. Race organisers and the skippers will continue to meet every 12 hours with weather experts to assess the situation but a start on Monday April 16 looks unlikely at this time. Despite the rain and wind, the Royal Navy's helicopter carrier HMS OCEAN provided excellent shelter as she hosted a special reception for guests of Velux, the City of Norfolk and the teams participating in the VELUX 5 OCEANS. The ship was originally going to form part of the departure ceremony, laying on helicopter transfers for the skippers and giving media and VIPs a birds-eye view of the race start. However, race organisers still wanted to mark the end of the Norfolk stopover so decided to proceed with an official send-off in spite of the postponed start. Representatives from HMS OCEAN's crew, the Royal Navy and NATO welcomed over 400 people into the index hanger of the large vessel whilst moored alongside Pier 14 at the vast naval station in Norfolk. A contingent of British officers warmly welcomed Velux guests and sailors alike, who included the North American veterans of the race in town to celebrate the event's 25 year history and strong American influence over the seven races. Race Director David Adams introduced the previous competitors and then presented the history of the race. He was joined on stage by HMS OCEAN's Commanding Officer Captain Russ Harding and Tim Miller, General Manager of Velux USA, all paying tribute to the VELUX 5 OCEANS and also marking the start of the Azalea Festival, an annual event whereby NATO thanks Norfolk. HMS OCEAN and a number of Royal Navy ships will be visiting Norfolk as the UK organises the festival as the most honoured nation. Following a reception amidst the impressive fleet of Merlin helicopters, the skippers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS were presented on stage. All the skippers were in attendance, except Graham Dalton, who is still fighting his way towards Norfolk after a stop in Brazil, and Unai Basurko, who chose not to attend due to the inclement weather. Norfolk then bid farewell to the skippers as they were lifted out of the hangar on the huge helicopter elevator, accompanied by a piper from the Royal Dragoon Guard, a regiment with links to the family of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. The reception closed with an excellent performance by the band of the Royal Marines. Tim Miller from Velux commented, "I am very glad to see the skippers here at HMS OCEAN and that we had the opportunity to wish them the very best of luck for the third leg. It is a pity that the skippers can not re-start from Norfolk today, but safety always comes first." David Adams added, "We would like to thank the Royal Navy, NATO and especially the crew and officers of HMS OCEAN for their hospitality and support, not just for this wonderful reception but for their assistance throughout the race and especially during our stopover in Norfolk. It has been a privilege for everyone to come onboard this magnificent ship and be part of such a memorable farewell for the skippers and the attending guests. As hosts, HMS OCEAN and the Royal Navy officers were an example of both exemplary organisation and kindness." - END - For more information on VELUX 5 OCEANS please visit www.velux5oceans.com , or contact: Tim Kelly / Justine Ozoux RACE PRESS OFFICE: + 44 20 7494 1616 Tim Kelly: + 44 (0)7773 325 533 Justine Ozoux: + 44 (0)7824 310 035 E: tim.kelly@pitchpr.com / justine@pitchpr.com Notes to Editors About the VELUX 5 OCEANS - The Ultimate Solo Challenge The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the oldest and most established, single-handed round the world yacht race. With a rich sporting heritage, the race has been contested every four years since 1982, previously under the titles of 'BOC Challenge' and more recently 'Around Alone.' The ultimate in human endeavour, more people have climbed Mount Everest and travelled to the moon, than have completed a solo circumnavigation. In 2006, the race celebrates its 25th Jubilee year and, with new title sponsors, VELUX, is set to be greater than ever before. The 30,000 mile three-leg race is scheduled to begin in Bilbao on 22nd October and will stop in Australia and the USA before returning to Bilbao approximately 6 months later. The introduction of fewer stopovers and shorter preparation times between legs has been specifically introduced to provide a more cost effective global marketing opportunity for entrants and their sponsors. Over the years, the race has consistently attracted a wide spread of entries from around the globe, making heroes of many celebrated yachtsmen and women, including Mike Golding, Philippe Jeantot, Giovanni Soldini, Jean-Luc van den Heede, Isabelle Autissier, Bernard Stamm and Emma Richards. www.velux5oceans.com About Norfolk, Virginia (USA) Norfolk, which is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest military station in the world, can host hundreds of vessels at one time including cruise ships, destroyers and submarines and once made history when it berthed five nuclear aircraft carriers at the same time. The port will provide the skippers and ground crews of the VELUX 5 OCEANS with world class facilities. The City is bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Hampton Roads Harbour, one of the most famous sailing areas in the USA which attracts hundreds of thousands of yachts and sailing fanatics to the area every year and has played host to some of the world's major sailing events including the Volvo Ocean Race and the Mount Gay Rum Sailing Week. The situation of the City also makes it an idea venue for the VELUX 5 OCEANS providing unique opportunities to watch the fleet arrive from vantage points on the coast and on the water. www.norfolk.gov Copyright © 1996-2016 - SEGEL.DE