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The following is an excerpt from my application for the New World Challenge 2002.

Why I would like to participate in The New Worlds Toughest Yacht Race

My family has been pursuing a challenge we set ourselves some five years ago, to take a year off and sail around the world.

The plan is far advanced, with my wife and I having completed winter night schools for the last two years to get our "Day Skipper" and now "Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper" theory certificates. We have also passed the "Day Skipper" and Coastal Skipper" practical courses. The family (Maggie, my wife and Nicky and Tarryn our two daughters aged 14 and 15) have completed the Sea Survival, and "Competent Crew" courses. I am sailing with friends to log up the required hours to be able to get my "Yachtmaster Ticket" by April 2001.

Financially, the planning is also well established. We have completed payments on our yacht, Debanessa, a 38' Beneteau Oceanis 381. The mortgage is due to be paid off early next year.

In the last year or so, however, it has become apparent that maybe the family's dream and challenge is more my dream and challenge. Whilst we all enjoy sailing, Maggie prefers the challenge of navigating into Newtown Creek or Bembridge at night. Nicky and Tarryn enjoy a weekend out on Debanessa in the sunshine, relaxing and swimming or messing about in the tender. I stand alone in enjoying the slog across Lyme Bay or the thrill and satisfaction of a Force 6 run across the Channel from Cherbourg.

So with support from my family and much excitement and anticipation on my part, I have decided to take up the BT New World Challenge. The family is keen to be able to fly to the ports of call and to be involved in the experience through me. I am thrilled with the route, the challenge and what I have found out about the experience by talking with the BT Challenge crew and trainers at Ocean Village, and recently at the Southampton Boat Show.

The time has come for me to live out my dream…

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