Sea, Sail & Surf newsAround Alone
The world yacht race to start from New York
Start line to be a transit between ’Ground Zero’ and the Statue of Liberty
mercredi 10 avril 2002 –
Michael Fortenbaugh, Commodore of the Manhattan Yacht Club and head of the ’Sail For America’ organising committee, explained the concept : "The goal is to fill New York Harbor on Saturday 14th September with thousands of sails, a symbol of hope and beauty, to mark the rebirth of the City of New York and the soaring spirit of America. The Around Alone start on Sunday 15th September off ’Ground Zero’ will be the final act, and the message that New York is ’setting sail’ again will be taken around the world."
On behalf of Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York, the Deputy Mayor, Daniel L. Doctoroff, issued a statement that the diversion of Around Alone to New York Harbour would receive their whole-hearted support : "We are honoured that the organisers and competitors of Around Alone are willing to divert to New York for this one time only to join ’Sail For America’. This is a highly symbolic act of solidarity with our City, which will capture the hearts of our citizens and the country. We will ensure that this historic departure from New York is a remarkable success."
The Around Alone fleet will still assemble in Newport, R.I. at the Newport Shipyard from the 24th August, and then experience a huge send off on 12th September, the Preview day of the Newport International Boat Show, for a 160 mile crewed prologue race down to New York, where the boats will arrive the next day. In New York, the race will be hosted at the Intrepid Museum, a de-commissioned aircraft carrier docked on the SW side of Manhattan.
Dr. Robin Wallace, Chairman of the Rhode Island State Yachting Committee, who was, among others, responsible for bringing Around Alone back to Newport, found only positive reasons to support this move : "We have a special relationship with New York, and so this is also a unique opportunity for Rhode Islanders to show their support, and it is hoped that many sailboats will accompany the fleet from Newport to New York in order to join ’Sail For America’."
Mayor Richard Sardella of Newport expressed his delight at the return of Around Alone to Newport : "Little did Joshua Slocum realize when he returned to Newport after sailing around the world alone, that his impetus would continue into the 21st century. Newport is proud of its part in the history of solo sailing and is standing by to welcome the competitors back to our shores."
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Race Chairman and first person to win a solo RTW yacht race, was compelled by this invitation : "Around Alone is the only one of the five around the world yacht races which was founded in America, and by the Goat Island Yacht Club in Rhode Island. So we feel deeply privileged not only to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Around Alone by a ceremonial return to Newport, but also to accept the invitation by New York to take part in a significant day in history. And of course, Manhattan Island is an unparalleled venue for sending off a yacht race."
Brad Van Liew, America’s premier single-handed offshore sailor after finishing 3rd in Class II of the 1998/9 Around Alone, is returning to compete with his ’Mission America’ Open 50 campaign, and he responded on behalf of the entire fleet of 19 skippers representing 11 countries worldwide : "I know that I speak for not only the American entrants, but for the entire Around Alone community, when I say that this act of solidarity and support for New York’s Sail For America project will be a special moment for us all. I feel fortunate to be able to take this message of unity and strength with me as I circumnavigate the globe."
French competitor Marc Thiercelin, veteran of 3 solo circumnavigations, and 2nd in the 1998/9 Around Alone, sent this message of support : "To set off from New York one year after the tragedy and to show that man continues on his way in freedom over both land and also the oceans, stopping off in four continents on the way round, this is a true symbol of the future. This will be a very poignant homage to the innocent."
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