Round the World project in aid of children with arthritis
by Alex Ransby 3 Sep 2001 08:11 BST
Construction of the boat "HIP JOINT" is finally under way!
Ransby Ocean Challenges, the organisation set up to raise awareness of arthritis as a childhood disease by managing the non stop single handed circumnavigation attempt of Alex Ransby, is proud to announce that construction of his boat "HIP JOINT" is now finally under way.
Alex Ransby who, despite suffering from chronic arthritis himself effecting his hips, shoulders and spine, will attempt the remarkable 28,000 mile voyage around the world next October to raise money for the Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association.
The 40 foot yacht “HIP JOINT” will be built by Alex and his team in Bosham, West Sussex and is expected to be ready for launch some time in January. Constructed in Canadian Red Cedar imported for the project and donated by Joseph Thompson of Sunderland, it uses SP Systems epoxy to ensure she will be a light displacement vessel, and should therefore be capable of completing the voyage in 140 days.
It is unusual to use a wood-based construction method for such a boat - carbon fibre being more popular in recent years. However, with it’s exceptional insulating qualities and with the tremendous advances that have been made in the field of epoxies by SP Systems in recent years, she will not only prove to be both light and strong, but will keep Alex much warmer in the Southern Ocean than a carbon boat.
With the sails for HIP JOINT are being made by Arun Sails of Bosham, and the expert advice and winches provided by Harken UK, Alex will be able to handle “HIP JOINT” through the worlds toughest Oceans.
For more information about the project please contact Alex at zanadoo@randybee.freeserve.co.uk or visit our web site at www.ransbyoceanchallenges.com