Macro/Microcrising (part 5)

Around in Ten is a singlehanded circumnavigation race designed to challenge Serge Testa's record , stipulating that all boats must be 10' or under. Set to begin in 105 days, January 10, 2009, from Bermuda  to Bermuda, with a westward route and passing through the Panama Canal. There are six racers entered, and apparently most are still building. Three well known boat designers are represented, John Selway, Bruce Roberts and John Welsford. The other three are building to their own design. I must say, they are all interesting designs. Only three have posted construction photos on the website.  The image above is the boat Skippy, designed and being built by Gilbert Van Meel in Antwerp, Belguim. The race is the  brainchild of Nick Dwyer, who is also the organiser, and he'll be providing a support boat and be transmitting coverage of the race on a regular basis. I actually like the idea of this race, but...I have a few reservations. Most, if not all, of these boats are not yet completed, far from it. Doesn't leave much time for fitting out and sea trials. And at least three of the designs are untested (the self designs), and actually, I don't know if the designer's boats have built and tested by others. If this thing actually goes off, I'll be watching. With interest. Please take a look and give me some feedback, whats your opinion? Are these guy's nuts, or simply very courageous, or burning with a desire to enter the record books. A ten foot boat can only intensify the hardships that Serge endured on his epic voyage, and are they truly viable for circumnavigation? What do you think? Heroic  or (something else)? Nick is looking for sponsorship to help manage the effort, so...