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"We have found in our discussions with potential crew that there is often a requirement for an even shorter time frame in which to participate." Said Race Director Michael KAY. "We have also found with some of those who are interested in the event from a business networking point of view that their focus might only be on certain parts of Europe. We have been keen from the start to be as accommodating as possible. So long as it doesn't change the ethos of the event, which this doesn't, then we're happy to help."

Launched at the Southampton Boat Show last September, the new event offered a fresh initiative in the world of sailing designed to bring ordinary Europeans in to the sport. The ethos behind the event has been to make it as accessible as possible for the complete beginner as much as for the experienced sailor, especially as previous events with a similar structure have usually demanded that participants take as much as a year out.

The OKI European Challenge had already met this issue head on by creating an event over a much shorter time frame, but has now gone one better again - by offering potential entrants who are unable to commit to the entire race the option of taking part in either the Northern or Southern sectors of the race at a reduced cost.

"I don't believe that the northern leg options are better than the southern legs or vice versa, although they are certainly different," continued Kay. "The northern legs include the North Sea, Skandia Cowes Week and the classic Rolex Fastnet Race. The southern legs include the longest legs of the event as well as some of the finest sailing waters and harbours in Europe. In either case, the ethos and challenge of the event will remain the same."

The Northern legs of the OKI European Challenge will include:

1. Gdansk, Poland - Keil, Germany
2. Kiel - Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Copenhagen - Gothenburg, Sweden
4. Gothenburg - Scheveningen, (The Hague), Holland
5. Scheveningen - Cowes, UK (inc Skandia Cowes Week)
6. Cowes (Fastnet Race) - Plymouth, UK

The Southern legs of the OKI European Challenge will include:
7. Plymouth, UK - Lisbon, Portugal
8. Lisbon - Palma, Majorca
9. Palma - Barcelona, Spain
10. Barcelona - French Mediterranean Port (TBC)
11. French Mediterranean Port - Genoa, Italy
12. Genoa - Monte Carlo, Monaco

The costs for crew to participate in either sector are £6,150.00, with the costs for crew sailing the entire race £9,950.00 (Euro 14,000.00). Potential crew members will need no previous sailing experience and will be fully trained to compete in the event.

At a cost of only £9,950 (less than £100 (Euro 140.00) per day) the race is being regarded as an ideal business sabbatical or the ultimate educational gap year adventure. Further details are available on the event website at the address below