BBC News Online: UK

New blow for giant catamaran

Hundreds of supporters lined the River Dart, in Devon yesterday to see Pete Goss and his crew sail the 120ft-long boat out into the English Channel.

But 18 hours later the crew abandoned the trans-Atlantic voyage because of a swaying movement at the base of one of the 135ft masts.

"She was going beautifully when the crew noticed a bit of movement at the bottom of the mast.

"It was of sufficient concern to decide to come back and postpone the sea trials,'' she said.

Team Philips' first sea trails ended in disaster last April when a 40ft section of the bow snapped off

The £4m catamaran had been due to complete a return voyage to New York before joining the starting line up of a round the world race in December.

As he set out yesterday, Mr Goss, a 38-year-old former Royal Marine, described the trip as "Judgement Day". But he was refusing to let the previous problems dampen his spirits.

"I do not feel I am going out to see whether the bow will stay or not.

"I am going to see how much I can get out of a good boat," he said.

Royal launch

The catamaran was officially launched by the Queen in March. Just two weeks later the bow snapped and Team Philips required £250,000 of repairs.

If the new problems can be ironed out Mr Goss will resume sea trials soon. He intends to be in Barcelona by New Year's Eve for the start of a round the world challenge known simply as The Race.

Team Philips is one of 20 vessels skippered by some of the world's most experienced sailors, all hoping to circumnavigate the globe in fewer than 80 days.