22.04.2007
DALTON MISSES THEORETICAL CUT OFF POINT TO ABIDE BY LEG THREE RULES
Kiwi skipper still sailing to Norfolk to complete leg two
At 12:20 local time (16:20 GMT) today, Sunday April 22, Graham Dalton
had not arrived in Norfolk. By not arriving in Norfolk within this
timeframe he is theoretically unable to start leg three and at the same
time respect the rules of the VELUX 5 OCEANS. The race rules state that
he must start leg three within seven days of the official start but that
he must also spend 72 hours in the host port.
The result is that when he arrives in Norfolk to complete leg two, he
will either decide to retire from the race or choose to start to Bilbao
and in doing so break one of the rules, either leaving before the
mandatory stop over of 72 hours has elapsed or leaving after the one
week start window has expired. If Dalton breaks one of these rules, he
will be subject to a protest from race organisers and/or one of the
other skippers, which will then be ruled upon by the jury.
However, for the moment Dalton is still racing to complete leg two in
Norfolk and reindexs part of the VELUX 5 OCEANS until he is safely on
land. He is 484 miles away from the Norfolk finish, doing 11 knots and
expected to arrive on Wednesday. He is in constant communication with
Race Director David Adams and closely monitored by race headquarters.
When he crosses the finish line in Norfolk, he will be given an official
time and position for leg two. He will then have to assess his future in
the race, determine the action he wishes to take and the status he will
receive.
Race Director David Adams commented, "My index priority at the moment is
the safety of Graham Dalton and his successful arrival in Norfolk,
Virginia. We will then let Graham make a decision on how he wishes to
proceed and allocate the relevant status."
Dalton's story in the VELUX 5 OCEANS has been an epic story of drama,
emotion, bravery and endless bad luck. His journey has inspired many
hundreds of people around the world, and the public and race organisers
in Norfolk are ready to give him a hero's welcome when he arrives at the
Virginian city. His determination in the face of problems that would
have defeated a lesser man has illustrated the very qualities needed to
take part in The Ultimate Solo Challenge. The challenge though is one of
the toughest in any sport in the world and the completion of the
challenge is a feat achieved by so few.
Further information will be provided once Graham Dalton is safely in
Norfolk.
- 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
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