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"We're delighted to be working with the RORC once again and this is excellent news for the race," comments Simon Walker, managing director of race organiser, Challenge Business. "Crew Volunteers who have a long term interest in offshore racing will now satisfy the racing criteria required for eligibility to apply for membership of the RORC, giving added value to our crew. They will now be able to benefit both from the incredible experience of the race as well as use the event as a springboard for their future sailing plans."

This is the second time that the race has been run, following the highly successful inaugural race held last year. This year will see all 12 Global Challenge race yachts entered in the event which looks set to be even more competitive than last year's, where just over an hour separated the first two yachts.

"We're continuing to build on our relationship with the RORC with the Challenge Transat, The Round Britain Challenge and the Global Challenge now all run under the RORC," continues Walker.

"We feel that we have come up with another winning formula with the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge - a unique race around the spectacular sailing grounds of Britain and Ireland; equally matched crews in identical yachts; full training; the feasibility to train and race in an individual's annual leave and now assistance with gaining membership of the RORC.

"This unique race enables people to leave their everyday roles and fulfil their passions for challenge, adventure and accomplishment in a once in a lifetime opportunity."

The Round Britain Challenge is a non-stop circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland, a route renowned for its challenging navigation and varied sailing. The 12 yachts will be skippered by the 12 Global Challenge skippers, assisted by a professional mate, and will be crewed by 16 men and women made up of all walks of life and nationality. A housewife, a pilot, a police sergeant and a teacher, to name a few, all make up this year's mix of Crew Volunteers, all busy training and preparing for the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge 2004.

For further details please visit the event website at the address below.