Playstation to attempt TransAtlantic record

Fossett announces team for October TransAtlantic Record attempt on PlayStation. Richard Branson confirmed on crew

London/Chicago - 7 July 1999: Skipper Steve Fossett announced today his crew for an October challenge to the classic TransAtlantic sailing record (New York Harbour to Lizard Point UK) with the world-record setting PlayStation catamaran.

Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson has been named to the 10 man crew, all of whom have accompanied Fossett on previous sailing World Records.

"Richard invited me to fly with him on his Round the World balloon attempt in December (1998); now I'm glad to be able to return the favour and invite him to sail with me. He will be a PlayStation crew member with full responsibilities" according to Skipper Fossett.

The Atlantic has been Branson's target before - both at sea and in the air. He held the Blue Riband for the fastest powerboat crossing (June 1986) and achieved the first hot air balloon crossing (July 1987).

Commenting on his confirmation, Richard Branson said: "When Steve asked me to join the PlayStation crew I felt very privileged and fortunate. It is a great challenge and will probably be the last classic sporting record to be broken this century. The largest catamaran I have sailed is an 18 foot Hobie, so PlayStation at 105 feet long, 10,000 square foot of sail and 40 knot top speed could be called an exciting step up!"

PlayStation, the 32m (105ft) catamaran designed by Americans Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin (who are also on the crew). PlayStation was launched only 6 months ago and is already the worlds fastest sailboat, smashing the 24 Hour Record with an extraordinary 580.23 nautical mile day between New Zealand and Norfolk Island in March of this year.

The Crew:

Steve Fossett   (USA)  Skipper
Stan Honey      (USA)  Navigator
Brian Thompson  (GB)   Watch Leader
Ben Wright      (AUS)  Watch Leader
Richard Branson (GB)   Crew
Mark Callahan   (AUS)  Crew
Peter Hogg      (NZ)   Crew
Pete Melvin     (USA)  Crew
Gino Morrelli   (USA)  Crew
David Scully    (USA)  Crew

PlayStation will be shipped to the USA in September in preparation for the October TransAtlantic record attempt. The record for the 2888 mile passage has been held since 1990 by the 75ft catamaran Jet Services V and French skipper Serge Madec at 6 days 13 hours 3 minutes 32 seconds. 1999 is a busy year for TransAtlantic challenges: Following Bruno Peyron and Explorer's unsuccessful record bid in June, co-skippers American Cam Lewis and Swiss brothers Yvan and Laurent Bourgnon (on board their 60ft trimaran Foncia Immobilier), launched at blistering pace last week but were let down Sunday and Monday by low winds just hours short of success.

Key support sponsorship comes from Philip Zepter Watches of Monte Carlo with the official supplier of ocean clothing Musto Ltd. PlayStation was built at Cookson Boats in New Zealand. Her sails are by North Sails; spars by Southern Spars.

More information: www.playstation-europe.com/challenge