For anyone who hasn't subscribed to the Spirit of Cardiff newsletter, here's the latest edition . . .
South Wales Echo Around the World Challenge
Newsletter sponsored by Hogg Robinson 14 March 2002
It hardly seems possible, but once again, the Spirit of Cardiff team have had to deal with another major setback! At this late stage, crew member Jan Falkowski has very reluctantly had to withdraw from the team. All is not lost though, as a very able replacement has already been found and everything is set for success . . .
John Kennett
Editor
PENARTH MAN JOINS SPIRIT OF CARDIFF CREW
Just three weeks from departure on her attempt to break the record for circumnavigating the world, Spirit of Cardiff has seen an eleventh hour change in the crew. The new man is Penarth-based outside broadcast TV cameraman Alan Carter.
Retiring crew member Dr Jan Falkowski is consultant psychiatrist at a major London hospital, and made the difficult decision to drop out at the last minute in the light of unexpected extra work commitments. "Jan is absolutely gutted," commented Spirit of Cardiff skipper Alan Priddy, "but he's put his patients first, and naturally I wouldn't have expected anything less."
"It was obviously a shock when I heard the news from Jan, but we have put in a huge amount of work over the last two years and overcome a lot of other of problems -- we weren't going to let this get in our way!"
Alan Carter is no stranger to the Spirit of Cardiff project, having already been involved behind the scenes over the last two and a half years. "I'd always dreamed about going along on the trip," said Carter, "but I never thought it would actually happen. It's the opportunity of a lifetime." Carter's skills as a TV cameraman will be put to good use in documenting the Spirit's historic voyage. And his addition to the crew results in one little oddity - all four crew members were born in 1953, the year of the Coronation and first ascent of Everest.
And it's hoped that with a local man actually on board, Cardiff and South Wales will get behind the project with renewed enthusiasm. "Our 'Buy a Mile' scheme has made a good start," said Alan Priddy. "Now let's really get it going and show how the people of South Wales can support one of their own."
MEET THE CREW
Hear the latest news and meet the crew (including Alan Carter!) at our supporters' evening in Cardiff on Tuesday March 19 at 7.30pm. The venue is the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club in Ferry Road and the ticket price of £10 includes a welcome drink on arrival, a hot & cold buffet and a presentation about the forthcoming voyage.
Tickets are available from the visitor center, or by contacting Nadia Lehmann on 07811 553925 or
nadia@spirit-of-cardiff.com
Nadia is also coordinating the events for the departure weekend which include a farewell party at the Waterguard pub on Saturday 30 March, with a fantastic firework finale.
Spirit will depart from Cardiff at around midday on Sunday. Several people are bringing their own boats to form a flotilla to see Spirit on her way -- if you've got a boat, you are very welcome to join them.
Please let Nadia know if you would like to come (or even if you're just thinking about it) so that she can make sure that there is space for everyone.
BUY US SOME DIESEL!
Despite everyone's efforts, the lack of commercial funding means that we still have a significant budget shortfall for the voyage. We are absolutely confident that nothing will stop us, but every pound counts.
Supporters are invited to sponsor miles of the voyage for just £5 each -- for which you will receive a personalised certificate and the team's undying gratitude! Buy on-line through our secure ordering system at
http://www.spirit-of-cardiff.com/shop
The on-line shop also includes the exclusive Spirit of Cardiff clothing range which has previously only been available at the visitor centre. Get your orders in quickly though as stock is limited.
For corporate supporters there is the opportunity to sponsor an entire leg of the voyage for as little as £5000. Full details of what's on offer are available from Sophie Brading on 029 2069 2262 or email
sophie@spirit-of-cardiff.com
If you would like to receive future newsletters direct to your email address, you can subscribe by sending an email to
newsletter-subscribe@mlm.spirit-of-cardiff.com
