ONDECK WELCOMES HOME ATLANTIC CHALLENGE FLEET WITH THE HELP OF MOUNT GAY

Press Release - June 11th, 2008

Media contact: Elizabeth Brookes - Tel: +1 (268) 562-6699 or John Holmberg - Tel: +1 (340) 777-4944

Ondeck, has welcomed home its fleet of Farr 65s following the completion of a challenging three-month, 3600 nm voyage from Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua to Portsmouth Harbour, the home of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory.

The crews competing in the ‘Atlantic Challenge’ left Antigua in April and headed east in an informal match race to the Azores, where several of the crew members completed their ocean theory course. The second leg, from the Azores to Portsmouth, provided the opportunity for further teaching in disciplines such as Astro, weather and ocean sailing tactics.

Boats and crew were welcomed back to Portsmouth Harbour in style with an official Ondeck Atlantic Challenge ‘Welcome Home’ party held at the Nelson Gallery in the Historic Dockyard. The party, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum, provided an opportunity for the crew to reflect on the historic relevance of the challenge, sailing from Nelson’s Historic Dockyard in Antigua to the home of Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory in Gunwharf. The crews shared stories of the crossing and new friendships were cemented.

Regaining his land legs, Graham Ross, second Mate on the Spirit of Minerva commented: “Coming back on the Atlantic Challenge was an eye opener as I didn’t know what to expect when I set out from Antigua. When not busy on watch, I spent a lot of time preparing the crew’s fresh food meals for each leg of the trip. It seemed to go down really well – especially my famous Apple Pie! I would recommend this trip for anyone looking for their next adventure or challenge and I would love to go back and spend some more time in the Azores, where I took my ocean theory course.”

Graham Ross has now completed the whole Atlantic circuit with Ondeck: In 2007 in the Atlantic Adventure and back again in 2008 on the Atlantic Challenge.

Eddie Kitchen, one of the crew aboard Spirit of Minerva who is blind and partially deaf, added: “Where we averaged 10 – 12 knots, fine reaching was the best bit when I was on the helm. The crew was great and the weather was much nicer than expected. We encountered heavy fog as we were sailing past the Scilly Isles, which was probably the most challenging part of the crossing, particularly for the sighted crew onboard. The trip was a really great experience; next year I want to do the Atlantic Adventure from Portugal to Barbados or go back and do a leg of the Atlantic Challenge. “

Ondeck organises two major transatlantic events throughout the year: The Atlantic Adventure is a three-leg race from Cascais to Barbados via Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands; and the Atlantic Challenge, a two-leg race from Antigua to Portsmouth via the Azores. Crew places for individual legs or the whole trip are available for this year’s Atlantic Adventure, which takes place in October and for next years’ Atlantic Challenge.

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ABOUT ONDECK:

Ondeck is based on the Solent (Gosport, Portsmouth and Ryde in the UK), Portugal, Antigua and US Virgin Islands.

Ondeck Sailing has been operating a RYA registered sea school for over 10 years.

In 2004, the business re-formed to expand the charter division. Ondeck’s existing fleet comprises high performance Farr 65s, Farr 40s, Beneteau 40.7s and Dehler 39s. In addition it manages the charter of the Pindar Open 60, Volvo 60 and corporate hospitality vessel Hatherleigh.

The Ondeck offering ranges from Transatlantic crossings, racing in main events including Caribbean Regattas, Cowes Week, Round the Island Race, Fastnet; matched regattas for corporate and private individuals; team and leadership development, and corporate hospitality.