Tony Bullimore
Blue Ocean Wireless Solo Round the World Challenge

A series of high pressure systems that have been hovering over the Tasman Sea since the beginning of January have not been conducive to starting this record attempt, but the time spent waiting for the right winds to slingshot Tony Bullimore and his 102ft (31m) catamaran Doha 2006 towards Cape Horn, have not been wasted.

Tony reported today, 'The weather is not right at the moment, so we have spent the time fine-tuning some of the systems on the boat, and getting myself as fit as possible.’

Tony, who turned 68 last week, is using this extra time to build up his stamina levels by working out in the Oceana gym each day.

This week, Tony plans to take Doha 2006 out for a series of sail trials with Simon Redding, Team Bullimore’s shore manager and a group of enthusiastic members of the Bellerive Sailing Club who have been helping to prepare the big catamaran for what will be the greatest voyage the boat has ever undertaken.

'Because we have time on our hands, we are going to be replacing several sponsor decals that did not stand up to the wear and tear when we delivered the boat from Qatar to Hobart', Tony says.  Another area that needs attention is the satellite communication and camera set up on the boat. ‘This equipment should have been commissioned before Doha 2006 left Qatar for its delivery sail to the start line in Hobart, but it was not, and this has caused delays. It is imperative that I can transmit pictures and video to the media as I go round the world so that everyone can see the action as it happens.’ He adds. Engineers expect to have the systems up and running this week.

Meanwhile…the wait for the right set of conditions to slingshot Tony across the South Pacific to Cape Horn, continues…

For further information contact the Team Bullimore Press Office
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