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August 30th 2000 - 12.15 GMT

Skipper Steve Fossett Reflects on the Latest TransAtlantic Record Attempt:

Yacht PlayStation - 12:15 GMT 30 August 2000

NO RECORD THIS TIME

"Time's up. A record would have required crossing Lizard Head this morning at 0752 GMT, and we were still 124 miles out. What had started as one of the most promising weather patterns of the year ended in light headwinds and very slow sailing.

For the first 3 1//2 days we maintained pace for a 5 1/2 day Atlantic crossing.. Then we came under the influence of the trough we were running ahead of, which slowed our progress. Ultimately the low trough passed over us, leaving us with light winds - and a struggle to get to the finish line.

This is a keen disappointment to the PlayStation crew. The TransAtlantic record was our primary objective for this year, and we have made 3 Atlantic crossings this summer. PlayStation is strong enough and fast enough for this record. But there is a reason why the record has stood for 10 years - and resisted 21 attempts: It is very difficult to get a weather pattern which has good winds all the way across.

Next summer the TransAtlantic record will surely be broken. PlayStation will be back and we will have new competitors: The unlimited catamarans which are being built for 'The RACE' will surely target this record in their summer programs.."

Steve Fossett

August 30th 2000 - 12.05 GMT

TransAt Record Slips Away For PlayStation

Wind Conditions Deteriorate Overnight

Mission Control, UK 30.8.00 0700 GMT A disappointed skipper Steve Fossett was brief and to the point in his communication late on Tuesday night "Wind pattern is worse. The TransAtlantic record has gone."

As of 0700 GMT on Wednesday PlayStation was still 140 miles short of the finish line at Lizard Point which they now expect to cross some time on Wednesday evening. They will continue to sail on to PlayStation's UK base at Southampton, arriving (projected) Thursday afternoon.

Conditions Improve For PlayStation

6 days 11 hours 16' - approx 2714 miles covered

Last Position: 30 August 2000 06.05 GMT - 49 53.480 N - 08 43.520 W

Mission Control, UK 29 August 2000 1400 GMT Skipper Steve Fossett reported a short while ago that wind conditions had improved slightly for maxi catamaran PlayStation and her crew in their attempt, to break the ten year old West-to East TransAtlantic sailing record.

They have approximately 299 miles to go until they reach the finish line at Lizard Point, and the odds, stacked against them this morning, had improved enough for them to maybe pass the line before the cut off time of 0752 GMT tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Fossett said in his email to Mission Control "The strategy devised by Navigator Stan Honey and Meteorologist Bob Rice seems to be working. We are following the decaying Low and this evening we should cross the sheer line where we hope for slightly better winds, but from a much better angle for boat speed."

"It's a longshot whether we will make it to the Lizard in time, but we're still in racing mode. We only need to average 14.5 knots to the finish. That is still a tall order in the 7 knots of wind we have now."

Close Call For PlayStation

Fossett & Crew Remain on Record Pace

Weather Conditions Deteriorating

5 days 17 hours 16' - approx 2577 miles covered

Last Position: 29 August 2000 12.05 GMT - 49 40.100 N - 12 34.170 W

Mission Control, UK As of 1000 GMT Monday (28 August) morning 105' maxi cat PlayStation and her crew were approximately 111 hours and 2250 miles into their NY-UK TransAtlantic voyage, aiming at the 10 year old record (held by Serge Madec on Jet Services 5 1990 6 days 13 hours 3 mins 32 secs).

With 700 miles to go and 46 hours left to reach the finish line at Lizard Point, Cornwall, UK, PlayStation skipper Steve Fossett and his 11 man crew were still slightly ahead of record pace, but appeared to be experiencing unsuitable weather conditions.

In a report to Mission Control at 1100 GMT, Steve Fossett described the current difficulties:

"Now that we have lost our beautiful TransAtlantic weather pattern, we've had to come up with another plan that provides hope of finishing in time. Meteorologist Bob Rice considered the possibilities and we've decide to aim straight at the Low and follow it until it decays in the Bay of Biscay then beat up to the English Channel entrance in very light east winds. Light air at the finish has been the bane of many TransAtlantic record attempts."

"Conditions are tough: Gale force winds and rough seas as we stay tucked in behind the Low. We are reefed to the maximum with no headsail."

"We had one minor injury last night: Damian Foxall sprained an ankle when he was hit by a wave while crossing the nets between the hulls. We wear harnesses and stay clipped in when crossing so a wave won't pop us over the stern, but the impact of the wave is still enormous. We are consulting by satellite email with Dr Dan Carlin, our team doctor from World Clinic, for the proper treatment."

ARRIVAL
Once past the finish PlayStation will head to Southampton (Dock Gate 4). Anyone wishing to welcome her should contact:
Kate Edge on +44 7887 923790 for further details.

August 28th 2000 - 12.05 GMT

PlayStation Forced to Tack to Remain on Record Pace

Fossett Forecasts Close Finish

Navigator Jolted But Uninjured In Lightning Scare

4 days 17 hours 16' - approx 2202 miles covered

Last Position: 28 August 2000 12.05 GMT -50 46.940 N - 22 02.700 W

Mission Control, UK 27 August 2000 1300 GMT With 900 miles to go in their latest NY-UK TransAtlantic record attempt, maxi cat PlayStation and her 12 man crew are still well ahead of record pace but are facing deteriorating wind conditions towards the finish.

"The perfect winds are lost" reported skipper Steve Fossett earlier today, after PlayStation had cruised along at an average speed of almost 22 knots for the first 88 hours of the attempt.

"Our dream of a 5-day TransAtlantic evaporated with 1000 miles to go. We had been sailing ahead of a front with south winds and making outstanding sustained boat speeds. Now the front is catching up and we are having to tack upwind. We are watching our lead on the record pace dwindle away."

"Now we will have to struggle to make it to the finish within the record time. We really can't tell whether we will share the fate of many other attempts on the TransAtlantic record and fall short near the end."

Meteorologist Bob Rice described current conditions: "PlayStation is having a little trouble in the area she is in at the moment with squalls, lightning and a little uncertainty where a low pressure centre is. But we are still reasonably optimistic of breaking the record."

In a dramatic moment yesterday, navigator Stan Honey was struck by lightning as he tried to disconnected the masthead instruments. He was "jolted but uninjured" but PlayStation's wind instruments were ruined.

PlayStation and her crew, who always knew that the current TransAtlantic record (6d 13h 3m 32s) would be extremely difficult to beat and the hard part would be towards the finish, have until 0752 GMT on Wednesday (30 August) morning to cross the finish line at Lizard Point, Cornwall, UK.

ARRIVAL
Once past the finish PlayStation will head to Southampton (Dock Gate 4). Anyone wishing to welcome her should contact:
Kate Edge on +44 7887 923790 for further details.

August 27th 2000 - 12.05 GMT

14 Hours Ahead !!

PlayStation Making Fast TransAt Progress

3 days 17 hours 16' - approx 1898 miles covered

Last Position: 27 August 2000 12.05 GMT - 50 56.670 N - 30 15.200 W

Mission Control, UK 26 August 2000 1300 GMT 63 hours after leaving New York, maxi cat PlayStation and her 12 man crew are making excellent progress in their latest bid to break the NY-UK TransAtlantic record. Skipper Steve Fossett reported at 1005 GMT on Saturday that they had covered approximately 1500 miles at an average speed of 23.4 knots. This puts them 14 hours and almost 300 miles ahead of the current record held by Serge Madec's Jet Services 5 (6d 13h 3m 32s).

Although PlayStation has slowed slightly over the last few hours, meteorologist Bob Rice assures that it is just a temporary setback caused by a wind hole after a squall passed to the south

"They now have 28 knots of wind from the SW. and are fine and sailing fast again. The pattern still looks reasonableŠ and while there are some problems ahead we may have to address we are very pleased with progress to date."

August 25th 2000 - 15.30 GMT

Email sent to Mission Control Friday 25 August from Skipper Steve Fossett:

"Hour after hour we are maintaining speeds over 25 knots. Now we have taken the speeds up to a steady 32 knots as we can choose a better wind angle after clearing Cape Race.

The sense of speed and power is tremendous.

The entire crew is focused of sailing the boat as they would in a day race. We know our goal is the TransAtlantic and we will make no concessions to other purposes. Namely, we have put the 24 Hour Record out of our minds because we would have to diverge from our ideal TransAtlantic course to get the optimum wind angle for maximum boat speed."

August 26th 2000 - 12.05 GMT

PlayStation On Course For Record

Fossett Thrilled at TransAt Progress

Last Position: 26 August 2000 12.05 GMT - 49 47.880 N - 41 02.710 W

Mission Control, UK 25 August 2000 09.00 GMT Maxi cat PlayStation continues to speed across the Atlantic Ocean in her latest bid to break the ten-year old sailing record (6d 13h 3m 32s) between New York and Lizard Point, UK. At 8.05 GMT on Friday morning, 37 hours into the attempt, the 105' yacht and her 12 man crew had covered approximately 853 nm at an average speed of 23 knots..

Skipper Steve Fossett was thrilled with the start PlayStation and the crew had made. In an email to mission control he said: "Off to a great start. Last night we wove our way between the shallow spots of Nantucket Shoals and George's Bank. Early this evening we should cross close inside Sable Island off Nova Scotia. Conditions are excellent with 25 to 30 knots of breeze from the southwest."

"What a change from our other 3 transatlantic attempts where we were struggling with broken battens, electrical system failures and out of control wind conditions. Now we are settled in and just trying to maintain our concentration to sail PlayStation at its potential."

PlayStation, currently about 3 hours ahead of Jet Services 5 (record holder) time, can expect similar good weather conditions for the next day or so, according to meteorologist Bob Rice:
"We don't expect too much change in conditions over the next 24-36 hours, which should support similar boat performances...our current plan is designed to protect against losing our position in the wind envelope we're in."

August 25th 2000 - 08.05 GMT

PlayStation Sets Terrific TransAt Pace !

Last Position: 25 August 2000 08.05 GMT - 45 59.630 N - 55 49.310 W

Mission Control, UK "We're off to a great start" said Steve Fossett, skipper of PlayStation, speaking after the 105' maxi cat had averaged over 21 knots for the first 15 hours of the latest attempt on the 10 year old NY-UK TransAtlantic record.

Since passing the start line at Ambrose Light, New York Harbour at 18.49 GMT yesterday (Wednesday), Fossett and his 11 man crew have covered 329 nautical miles and are already 1 hour 15 minutes ahead of the current record held by Frenchman Serge Madec on Jet Services 5 (6d 13h 3m 32s).

TransAt Underway

PlayStation Enroute for England

Last Position: 24 August 2000 08.05 GMT - 41 26.210 N - 67 44.100 W

Mission Control, UK 23 August 2000 At 18.49 GMT (14.49 EST) Steve Fossett's maxi cat PlayStation passed Ambrose Light in New York Harbour and headed across the Atlantic.

Skipper Fossett and his 11 man crew are aiming to break the 10 year old TransAtlantic record (held by Serge Madec on Jet Services 5, 6 days 13 hours 3 mins 32 secs). This means they must reach Lizard Point, UK before 07.52 GMT Wednesday 30 August.

Meteorologist Bob Rice commented on the weather conditions for the record attempt: "Overall pattern across the Atlantic looks acceptable based on current long range forecast data. Some problems will crop up of course, they always do, which is why records are records. And, this IS a difficult record to break."

PARTNERS
MUSTO Official Offshore Clothing Supplier to PlayStation's Crew
BT Telecommunications Supplier to PlayStation
OFFICE TECHNIQUES Supplier of Computer Equipment to Mission Control, St Albans,
UK VIRTUAL SPECTATOR Follow the progress of Steve Fossett and PlayStation in 3D animation using Virtual Spectator. Simply click through www.virtualspectator.com/transatlantic to download the free transatlantic viewer.

August 23rd 2000 - 10.00GMT

Code Green

PlayStation To Depart New York Wednesday Afternoon

Steve Fossett Targets Classic Sailing Record

New York City, New York, USA 23 August 2000 Skipper Steve Fossett plus his 11-man crew aboard the 105-foot maxi-catamaran PlayStation, plan to leave New York City (West 23rd St & Hudson River) today (Wednesday 23 August) in their third attempt at breaking the TransAtlantic speed sailing record between New York and England.

Steve Fossett said "This is a very difficult record to beat - 20 unsuccessful attempts in 10 years proves that. I hope the weather pattern we have is good enough - meteorologist Bob Rice characterises the pattern as the best we will see this month."

The current record of six days, 13 hours, three minutes and 32 seconds is held by Frenchman Serge Madec (Jet Services 5). The original 1905 record of 12 days, by the schooner Atlantic, stood for 75 years. Between 1980 and 1990 it was broken seven times. PlayStation skipper Fossett and his experienced crew are challenging the ten-year-old maritime benchmark aboard an extraordinary high-tech carbon fibre catamaran.

The 105' maxi cat has attempted to break this extremely tough record twice in the last year - in December 1999, when they were forced to abandon the attempt after 8 hours when a 62 knot squall broke the mainsail battens, and again in May 2000, when light winds and icefields slowed progress across the Atlantic. PlayStation and her crew still managed to reach the UK in 7 days 13 hours, but this time skipper Fossett will be hoping for more co-operative weather.

The team will leave from Chelsea Piers between midday and 4 pm (New York time) navigating down the Hudson River before taking the starting gun at Ambrose Light two hours later, setting course for the Lizard in Cornwall, UK.

Steve Fossett (USA) Skipper
Stan Honey (USA) Navigator
Brian Thompson (GB) Watch Captain
Ben Wright (AUS) Watch Captain
Gino Morrelli (USA) Watch Captain
Damian Foxall (IRE) Crew
Peter Hogg (NZ) Crew
David Scully (USA) Crew
Nick Moloney (AUS) Crew
Tom Weaver (USA) Crew
Tim Kröger (GER) Crew
Stu Wilson (USA) Crew

WHAT IS HAPPENING
WHO: Skipper Steve Fossett and crew of his 105 foot Catamaran PlayStation
WHAT: Attack on TransAtlantic Record Departure
WHEN: Wednesday 23 August 2000 - leaving dockside between midday and 4 pm
WHERE: Chelsea Piers W23rd Street and Hudson River

New York based media are invited dockside to see PlayStation depart Chelsea Piers
(For more details contact Mark Greenberg Tel. 973 701 8746)

PARTNERS
MUSTO Official Offshore Clothing Supplier to PlayStation's Crew
BT Telecommunications Supplier to PlayStation
OFFICE TECHNIQUES Supplier of Computer Equipment to Mission Control, St Albans,
UK VIRTUAL SPECTATOR Follow the progress of Steve Fossett and PlayStation in 3D animation using Virtual Spectator. Simply click through www.virtualspectator.com/transatlantic to download the free transatlantic viewer.

August 21th 2000 - 17.00GMT

Code Green

Steve Fossett's PlayStation Maxi Catamaran To Depart New York Wednesday

American Adventurer Attacks Atlantic Again

New York, New York, USA 21 August 2000 - Record setting American yachtsman Steve Fossett and his 11 man crew aboard the 105-foot maxi-catamaran PlayStati on plan to depart New York on Wednesday morning (23 August) - their target is the 10-year old TransAtlantic NY-UK sailing record.

Steve Fossett: "This is a really tough record - 20 attempts have been made on this record over the past 10 years but we have been waiting 6 weeks for weather and we think this pattern is good enough."

The current record of six days, 13 hours, three minutes and 32 seconds is held by Frenchman Serge Madec (Jet Services 5 - 1990). The original 1905 record of 12 days, by the schooner Atlantic, stood for 75 years. Between 1980 and 1990 it was broken seven times.

We plan to issue further departure status Tuesday pm (GMT).

August 17th 2000 - 17.00GMT

PlayStation On Standby in Newport

Code Red Through the Weekend

Mission Control, UK 17 August 2000 Maxi Cat PlayStation and her crew remain on code red standby in Newport, RI for a NY-UK TransAtlantic record attempt. Skipper Steve Fossett and meteorologist Bob Rice are looking into next week for a suitable departure weather pattern, possibly Tuesday/Wednesday (22/23 August).

Fossett discounted a departure from Chelsea Piers this weekend "The Low pressure sequence for this weekend leaves North Westerlys which are too weak for us and the downstream weather sequence is too complex for us to consider. So, we are waiting"

Code Red Continues

Mission Control, UK 8 August 2000 PlayStation skipper Steve Fossett and meteorologist Bob Rice are now looking at longer term weather patterns for the TransAtlantic record after the current window was foiled by high pressure forecasts towards England.

Unless there is a dramatic change in the medium term forecast, PlayStation will return to Newport to await better opportunities for departure.

August 5th 2000 - 19.00GMT

RETURN TO Code Red

MONDAY A.M. TRANSAT DEPARTURE SCRATCHED

Mission Control UK - 5.8.00 - 1300 GMT: Atlantic high pressure building towards Great Britain has blocked the hoped-for Monday a.m.TransAtlantic record departure for the MaxiCat PlayStation.

Skipper Steve Fossett advised crew and shore staff today (Saturday) that "our beautiful wind pattern just failed." and that the next pattern he, navigator Stan Honey and meteorologist Bob Rice had under consideration was for Thursday 10 August.

August 4th 2000 - 19.00GMT

PlayStation Code Yellow for TransAt

Possible Departure from NYC Monday August 7

Mission Control, UK 4 August 2000 Maxi Cat PlayStation and her crew are on Code Yellow status for a Monday (August 7) early morning departure from Chelsea Piers, NYC on a TransAtlantic record attempt.

Skipper Steve Fossett told the crew "At this time the wind forecast across the Atlantic is excellent and offers the potential of a record. We would fly formation south of a Low Pressure System as it crosses the Atlantic. There is no High Pressure Ridge to cross."

"Early Saturday morning, Bob Rice, Stan Honey and I will conference to decide whether the forecast is holding up well enough to go Code Green."

July 31st 2000 - 06.00GMT

Code Red

PlayStation Remains Code Red Through Wednesday 2 August for TransAt Departure

Mission Control, UK, 31.7.00: Steve Fossett: "The hopes of a Wednesday (August 2nd) opportunity have been dashed by the high pressure block on the approaches to England. Bob Rice is hopeful there may be a change in the low pressure track in about a week which would provide new TransAt opportunities."

July 27th 2000 - 19.00GMT

Code Red

PlayStation Remains Code Red for TransAt

Fossett Continues to Wait for Record Pattern

Mission Control, UK 27 July 2000 Skipper Steve Fossett advised today that PlayStation and her crew were back to Code Red status, with no likely TransAtlantic record attempt departure from New York for at least 4-5 days.

The skipper has decided to wait for a more suitable weather window; "August is a perfectly good month for moving frontal patterns such as we need to get the TransAtlantic record, and I have told (meteorologist) Bob Rice we will hold out for a reasonably good pattern."

Meanwhile, Grant Dalton and maxi-cat rival Club Med are still expected to leave NYC's Chelsea Piers this weekend on their TransAt crossing, having run out of time in their wait for similar record weather.

July 26th 2000 - 17.00GMT

Code Red

PlayStation Code Red Through Saturday 29 July

Fossett Will Wait for Record Pattern for TransAt Attempt

Mission Control, UK 26 July 2000 PlayStation skipper Steve Fossett advised today that the current weather window had deteriorated further, extending the "Code Red" status (i.e. no likely departure for 4-5 days) through Saturday 29 July.

Maxi Cat rivals Club Med are expected leaving Chelsea Piers this weekend on a "TransAt crossing as a tune up for The RACE". Scheduled commitments have denied Club Med skipper Grant Dalton and his crew the chance to wait for a record weather pattern.

Fossett, who with meteorologist Bob Rice and navigator Stan Honey will evaluate the next opportunity for departure tomorrow (Thursday), said "We are holding out for a record pattern no matter how long we have to wait."

July 25th 2000 - 17.50GMT

Code Red

PlayStation TransAt Departure Date Delayed

For Thursday/Friday 27/28 July Start

Next Option From Saturday 29 July

Mission Control, UK 25 July 2000 PlayStation maxi-catamaran skipper Steve Fossett advised his crew today that a deteriorating weather forecast would delay their departure from New York City on a TransAtlantic sailing record attempt from the previously anticipated Thursday/Friday (27/28 July) departure window. Crew and support staff were advised, however, that they should remain on standby for a possible start from Saturday (29 July).

Steve Fossett: "The mid-Atlantic forecast is changing every day. (PlayStation Meteorologist) Bob Rice and I will have another look on Wednesday (26 July) morning and consider a possible departure from Saturday onwards."

Rival maxi-cat Club Med is awaiting similar positive forecasts, and a simultaneous departure on the course from Ambrose Light in New York Harbour to the Lizard, Cornwall is still a possibility.

July 21th 2000 - 17.00GMT

Code Yellow

PlayStation Code Yellow for Departure from NYC July 26-27

CAT FIGHT !

World's Two Fastest Sailboats to Slug It Out Across The North Atlantic

PlayStation vs. Club Med

Maxi-Catamarans Next Week on Simultaneous Attack on TransAtlantic Record

Mission Control, UK - 21 July 2000: PlayStation maxi-catamaran skipper Steve Fossett advised today that he has accepted the public challenge from Grant Dalton - skipper of the new maxi-cat Club Med - to race for the 10-year old TransAtlantic record (set by Serge Madec on Jet Services V - 6 days 13 hrs 3 min 32 sec, 1990) from Ambrose Light in New York Harbour to the Lizard, Cornwall, UK.

This will be the first head to head meeting of the two fastest sailboats in the world. Both carbon fibre multihulls represent the latest in extreme sailing technology - PlayStation (105'), launched in December 1998, set a 24 hour distance World Record of 580 nm in her first ocean sail in March, 1999. The newer still Club Med (110') dramatically raised the bar last month with an outstanding 625 nm day during her Cadiz-San Salvador record run.

Steve Fossett:"This is very exciting - and we relish the chance to race Club Med. Of course there is always a risk of losing - and we don't like losing! But we have to race to find out."

PlayStation meteorologist Bob Rice has identified a possible record weather pattern for departure next Wednesday or Thursday (July 26-27). Further details will be available early next week.

Steve Fossett elaborated on PlayStation's TransAt race and record departure plans: "We've had two attempts on the TransAt so far - but both times weather conditions turned out to be not good enough. This will be our last chance for a TransAt record this season, so PlayStation is committed to go next week only if it is a record possibility. If Club Med decide to leave on a non-record/delivery because of schedule commitments, we'll have to wait for a better weather picture."

July 19th 2000 - 12.00GMT

Code RED

PlayStation 'Code Red' for Next TransAt Record Attempt

18 July Mission Control, UK PlayStation and her crew are currently on standby in Newport, RI waiting for a suitable weather window to arise for another attempt at the West-to-East NY-UK TransAtlantic record (6d 13h 3m 32s).

Skipper Steve Fossett and meteorologist Bob Rice advised the crew there would be no record wind patterns developing for at least the next 6 days (until 24 July) and PlayStation should remain in Newport on Code Red departure status.

A test in Newport is planned for Wednesday or Thursday this week, but the delivery trip to New York City will wait until the weather prognosis is more specific.

CODE RED - favourable winds are not likely to be available for the next 4-5 days.
CODE YELLOW - when the weather is likely to be favourable 4-6 days ahead.
CODE GREEN - departure within 48 hours

Bob Rice Joins PlayStation's Team

Mission Control, UK 12 July 2000 Skipper Steve Fossett has announced that PlayStation's new Chief Meteorologist will be legendary weather router Bob Rice (USA). Bob will be working in conjunction with onboard navigator, Stan Honey, for future PlayStation record attempts starting with the NY-UK TransAtlantic later this month.

Rice, based in Woolfeboro, New Hampshire, is described by Fossett as the "Dean of Adventure Meteorology.". His very long list of achievements includes 17 Round the World record attempts, 3 of which set the absolute record - American Promise (1985/6), ENZA (1994), Sport Elec (1997). He was also meteorologist for the last two winning America's Cups with Team New Zealand.

Bob's connection with Steve Fossett goes back to the skipper's first sailing race, the Round Britain and Ireland on Lakota in 1993. Bob has also routed for Steve, 4 Transpac records (1995/6), PlayStation's 24 Hour record (1999), the TransAtlantic balloon flight (1994) and 2 Round the World balloon attempts (1998).

Multiple world record setter and head of Team New Zealand America's Cup campaign, Sir Peter Blake congratulated Steve on his "coup":"Well done on securing Bob for your future record attempts. I have the utmost admiration and respect for the man I consider above all others when it comes to what he knows best - the weather."

PlayStation and her crew will make their way from Newport, RI to New York City early next week where they will wait for a suitable weather window for an attack on the West-to-East TransAtlantic record (1990 Serge Madec 6 d 13 h 3 m 32 s). and crew then plan to head to New York in preparation for a late July attempt on the classic 10 year old TransAtlantic record (Serge Madec - 1990 - 6 days 13 hours 3 mins 32 secs.)

July 7th 2000 - 12.00GMT

PlayStation's Summer Sailing Plans

Newport, New York, then TransAt again

Mission Control, St Albans, UK, 7 July 2000: Following her recent transit voyage from Plymouth, UK to Newport, USA, 105 maxi-cat PlayStation and her crew will remain at Little Harbour, Newport, Rhode Island for about two more weeks, carrying out minor repairs and alterations.

Skipper Steve Fossett commented on the 12 day crossing: "The difficult upwind passage to the USA was hard going - but nevertheless a very useful test passage - as it did point out further elements which require our attention. These will be addressed over the next few weeks in port."

Fossett and crew then plan to head to New York in preparation for a late July attempt on the classic 10 year old TransAtlantic record (Serge Madec - 1990 - 6 days 13 hours 3 mins 32 secs.)

Following the TransAt attempt, PlayStation plans a series of August/September tests in and around the English Channel, possibly including other record attempts in the British Isles. October and November will then be spent in `Round the World development and preparation.