The original "BT Global Challenge", now simply called "Global Challenge" is an around the world sailboat race against the prevailing winds. This race is the invention of Sir Chay Blythe, whose own adventures include a row across the Atlantic Ocean back in 1966, together with Captain John Ridgway.
The "Global Challenge" is a tough race which takes about 10 months to complete, following a route that takes them around the world in a westerly direction.
The race starts in England with scheduled stop-over in several major ports around the world. The schedule includes Boston where these racing machines tie-up behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, a major attraction on the Boston waterfront. These 12 steel-built identical sailing vessels and their skippers and crew are supported by dedicated support staff which travels ahead of the arriving vessels in order to set-up local events in each port of call, where they lend a helping hand with almost anything.