Training starts for the Global Challenge 2008/09

• Global Challenge 2008/09 training has started!
• 70% of berths for 2008/09 already snapped up
• Challenge Business raises age limit from 60 to 65 for Crew Volunteers
• New recruits share excitement of their first training sessions
• Statistics from the Global Challenge 2004/05 show success of the race
• Closing thoughts from crew of Global Challenge 004/05

It has barely been a month since the highly successful Global Challenge 2004/05 finished yet the training for the next race, starting in 2008/09, has already kicked off and another group of budding new recruits have started their quests to race around the world.

Nearly three quarters of the race berths have now been snapped up for the Global Challenge 2008/09, despite the race not starting for another three years. Although a long way away it is essential to start getting crew trained up as early as possible as 70% of those who apply are non-sailors and will be put through some of the most punishing conditions on earth.

Race organisers, Challenge Business, have enabled more than 1,000 sailors to race around the world or get a taste of the action as a legger – a colossal number, given the fact that they race the wrong way, against prevailing winds and currents.

The race, once again, is attracting the same broad spectrum of individuals that typify this unique race. Housewives, teachers, company directors, farmers – people from all walks of life and nationality brought together with the sole dream of racing around the world.

One of these new recruits who signed up in February, on the very first day he possibly could, is Jeremy Salvesen, company director of Groovy Chocolates, who will be using the race to raise money for the official race charity, Save the Children. As a complete rookie to sailing he explained after his training: “Fantastic! Harder work than I thought it was going to be and I thought it was going to be hard. Physically demanding and technical but fantastic.”

For some this is start of years of planning. Ben Scott, a 31-year-old company director, said: “This is something I’ve always wanted to do. I saw the boats come back in the early 90s and thought I want be part of that!”

Asked about how he would raise the funds to take part in the race he continued: “There may be hurdles to get there but when you want something so much you find a way.”

Finding that way takes many different forms as Elaine Kirton, a 35-year-old physiotherapist, explains: “I’m selling my house to go. It’s a life changing experience and I’m putting everything into it.”

As far ranging as people’s methods of raising the funds to take part are the new crews’ individual reasons for signing up: “Be part of the bigger picture; looking for adventure and want to step out of my comfort zone; enjoying spending a year not in front of a lap top; the physical aspect of ‘getting out,’” were all comments iterated by the crews as they start to take on the challenge and mould themselves and their mentalities into round the world yacht racers.

Some of the crew taking part have already had some sort of connection to previous races, including Denise Oakley a Deployment Manager for BP – a yacht sponsor from the previous two races. Denise twice applied to take part in the race as a legger through an internal employee ‘legger’ competition. Although she was in the running for both races - getting close to the final selection from over 300 applicants – she was pipped to the post in both instances.

Determined not to let the opportunity slip through her hands once more Denise is not only taking part in a leg but the entire race. As a single mother she previously would not have been able to do the whole race but as her son will be in his first year of university she is finally grasping the opportunity.

“I’m not leaving anything to chance this time,” she commented.

One of the major changes for the Global Challenge 2008/09 will be the age limit for crew. Previously the upper limit was 60 but this has now been raised to 65 to take into account the changing demographics of today’s society.

One of the new recruits is Ingrid Rock, who is already studying for a phD and will be 62 when the Global Challenge 2008/09 starts. Ingrid had never even stepped onto a yacht before she met race organisers, Challenge Business. She says she went to the Schroeder’s London Boat Show, fell in love with one of the yachts and that was it!

Ingrid explains: “My kids are grown up; there’s nothing to hold me back!”

The first bout of training helps make the event much more tangible for the new crews and brings the event to life for them. Ben Scott explained: “It’s been really nice to meet other people who share your view and enthusiasm. It’s difficult for those who don’t sail to understand what you are doing and the magnitude of what you are undertaking.”

Una Hennigan, a 35-year-old IT Consultant backed this comment up saying: “I’m a lot more excited now. We had some pretty bad weather on the first day and got a taste of what it’s like. Everyone is 100% now about the race. There are no doubts now. I want to go tomorrow, not wait three years!”

Following a crew questionnaire conducted during the last 2004/05 race, it is clear to see why Challenge Business continues to further its position as a market leader in the way it runs and manages its events.

Statistics show that 95% of Global Challenge 2004/05 core crew felt that the race had met their expectations with almost all of them stating that they would take away from the race greater tolerance, respect for others, confidence and a belief that you can do anything if you set your mind to it*.

96.6% of Global Challenge 2004/05 core crew rated their training skippers and mates as good or excellent*.

93% of Global Challenge 2004/05 core crew would recommend their friends and family take part in the Global Challenge*.

And some quotes from previous Global Challenge 2004/05 Crew Volunteers:

“The race has exceeded my expectation. It really has been the adventure of my life and I have been tested to the limit.” Elaine Blake, BG SPIRIT

“It’s been the most amazing adventure that has given me wonderful memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Mark Bootherstone, Me to You

“I always knew the Global Challenge would be a life changing experience, I didn’t appreciate just how much.” Hamish Owen, Barclays Adventurer

“What an experience. It’s 2am and I’ve just got off the helm having had one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life:” Catherine Jones, VAIO

“It’s been an amazing last 24 hours after the emotion of leaving Gunwharf Quays which was quite simply something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Mark Dolton, Me to You

It looks like the new recruits have many experiences to look forward to as they start their training and follow in the footsteps of more than 1,000 hardy Global Challengers.