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A new name was needed to signal the re-launch of the race, which comprises 5 major ocean crossings. The new name was therefore a natural choice, one that clearly described the extreme challenge and global nature of the event, worked well in English and French, and generated positive value associations.

A new format for the 5-Oceans

Route

The 5-Oceans will start either in France or on the Eastern seaboard of the USA in Q3 2006 and will comprise 4 stopovers of no more than 3 weeks duration. The remaining stopovers will be South Africa, Australasia, South America and either USA or France with winning host ports being announced at the Paris Boat Show 2003.

Commenting on the changes, Clipper Chairman, Sir Robin KNOX JOHNSTON said: "In May 2001, Clipper Ventures plc acquired Around Alone and thereby secured its future in the offshore ocean racing calendar. The last 8 months has given us the chance to review the future for the race and ask skippers, ports, media and sponsors what they feel we should do differently next time. Their advice has been clear; stay focussed on safety, shorten the duration of the race, reduce campaign costs for skippers, and put more resources into the event through attracting more sponsorship and media interest We feel that the changes announced today have gone along way to responding to these requests"

Commenting on the new format, David Stubley, Managing Partner of Fast Track and Chairman of the race Advisory Board said: "The key issues highlighted by the strategic review and proposed changes have been presented to the race Advisory Board and I'm delighted to say that the blueprint for 2006 has secured its full support. The 5-Oceans 2006 offers an outstanding global marketing platform for sponsors to build their business. We hope to have some good news in this regard very soon. The challenge now, is for skippers to throw their hat in the ring."

Mike Golding, as a representative of the skippers on the Advisory Board, responded: "Over the past twenty years this race has been the standard bearer for single-handed ocean racing and the changes that have been made will modernise the event and make it even more attractive to solo sailors keen for the ultimate challenge. I for one will be seriously considering entering the 5-Oceans in 2006."

• 5-Oceans Advisory board
• David Stubley Chairman; Managing Partner of Fast Track
• Bernard Stamm Winner of Class 1, Around Alone 2002-03
• Brad Van Liew Winner, Class 2, Around Alone 2002-03
• Mike Golding IMOCA Board Member; veteran of Around Alone & Vendée Globe
• Andrew Pindar Chairman of Pindar Group and sponsor of Emma Richards
• Andrew Preece Managing Director of APP Broadcast, Producer of BBC Sports Sailing