BT Global Challenge skipper resigns after her collision

by BT Challenge Business Media on 1 Mar 2001 Wellington, New Zealand - 28 Feb 2001 - In the best tradition of sailing, BT Global Challenge skipper Alex Phillips assumed full responsibility for a collision at sea last week and stepped down.

Phillip's yacht, Quadstone crashed into another BT Global Challenge yacht, Save the Children during last week's Leg 4 start from Wellington Harbour. With Phillips at the helm, Quadstone's bow rammed Save the Children buckling a portion of her port stern side and deck. Both boats were forced to retire from the leg for repairs.

For Phillips the decision to resign was immediate. However, it was not accepted when first offered to Challenge Business executive chairman Sir Chay Blyth.

'After our return to dockside on Sunday 18th February, I offered my resignation to Sir Chay Blyth,' Phillips said in a written statement released only today. 'He advised me most strongly that I should take my time to think about this and not rush into any hasty decisions.'

But, it proved an agonising week for Phillips as her crew and the crew of Save the Children were forced to redefine their futures in the wake of Sunday's accident. A deep sense of loss was felt by both crews, but it was even worse for Phillips' crew. Whenever members of Save the Children's crew encountered members of Quadstone's crew Phillips' crew would embrace them and apologise for the accident.

It had to be heartbreaking knowing that the collision had crushed not just two yachts, but also the dreams of her crew and the crew of Save the Children as well.

After a few days of reflection Phillips came to the conclusion that her first instinct to resign had been the right decision.

'I have decided that to resign as skipper of the BT Global Challenge yacht Quadstone is the right and honourable thing to do,' Phillips announced. 'Accordingly I have again offered my resignation to Sir Chay and this has now been accepted.'

Phillips went on in her statement to take full responsibility for the collision. 'I am saddened that the collision between Quadstone and Save the Children, for which I was wholly responsible as skipper and helm of the give-way yacht. I can only apologise again for my lack of judgement to all concerned, especially Nick Fenton and the crews of Save the Children and Quadstone. I am delighted to see that Nick is recovering well from injuries sustained in the collision.

Fenton, skipper of Save the Children, was also at the helm at the time of the collision. He received a head injury, and was knocked unconscious when his head hit the helm. He also suffered a sprained shoulder and arm when a crewman wrenched him back on deck as he nearly tumbled overboard.

Phillips said that she would take a short holiday in New Zealand and then planned to return to Southampton, England and resume her duties as a Challenge Business training skipper.

Blyth voiced his support for Phillips in a statement after accepting her second resignation. 'It is with the greatest regret that I accepted Alex's resignation,' said. 'Having won the first leg of the BT Global Challenge and first yacht around Cape Horn she will be sadly missed by her colleagues and Crew Volunteers of the Quadstone team.'

Blyth went on to say that her decision to leave the team was hers. 'It was Alex's decision and hers alone and was taken with a great deal of heartfelt thought and deep consideration. Alex has been offered a position as a skipper within The Challenge Business and we very much hope she accepts.'

The Quadstone crew was informed privately of Phillips decision a full day before it was released to the press.

Phillips place on board Quadstone will be filled by Challenge Business reserve skipper Richard Chennery.

Repairs to Quadstone and Save the Children are progressing on schedule in Wellington. A decision as to how the two yachts rejoin the race is expected within the next few days.