BT Challenge hit by delays

The delays will frustrate competitors' families

BT Global Challenge teams have had their scheduled arrival at La Rochelle delayed by up to one week, because of light winds.

In a statement to participants, organisers of the race said: "Due to unusual weather conditions BT Challenge yachts can no longer meet their arrival deadlines.

"The new arrival dates have been set for 21-25 June. Departure from La Rochelle will be 25/26 June."

The new arrival dates are one week later than scheduled, a fact that is likely to cause havoc for competitors' families and friends.

Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport Online from the 'Sprit of Hong Kong', crew member Hilary Bowden said: "It's not a problem for us, we've all got enough rations to survive.

"But it's a blow for the families and those who have spent so long organising hotels and so on."

Bowden added that the weather had been freakishly calm.

"The wind just died," she said. "It's like being in a mill pond.

"We suspected this might happen and now our worst fears have been confirmed."