Introduction

If the Southern Ocean represents yachting’s consummate challenge then a single-handed non-stop must be its pinnacle.

“One man and one boat against the elements”

Lee will sail in a series of off-shore races that are high profile and single or short-handed events in the build up to the 2008 Vendée Globe. This will be his first single handed circumnavigation and his first non-stop circumnavigation.

Many of the planned races will leave from either the UK or France in the Trans-Atlantic races. But the Vendée Globe route will be, Les Sables d’Olonne, France - Les Sables d’Olonne France, non-stop via the three Capes from West to East. This route will take you from France into the Atlantic past the Canneries down into the equatorial region of the doldrums, where intelligence and tactics play a big part. Then heading down south along the coast of Africa and then around the Cape of Agullas (Commonly know as the Cape of Good Hope) Then into the vast desolation of the Southern ocean. Pushing further and further south towards Cape Horn. Whilst plunging into the depths of the Southern Ocean towards Cape Horn you face storm after storm and often venture into the northern limits of the iceberg drift. Large waves that constantly circle the bottom of the earth with no land to stop them build up in size often reaching heights of over 60ft. It is here that the ultimate test of man and his vessel to cross the last great wilderness on earth. Over the centuries many sailors have perished here.
Once you have rounded the horn there are still another 1,000 or so miles to cover before leaving the clutches of the Southern Ocean, followed by a run up the Atlantic and back through the doldrums and then home.

What greater challenge could there be for a disabled sailor? What better story to attract the attention and imagination of the media and public?

And so Challenge Sailing Team was born.