| | BURBANK, Calif. -- Oct. 12, 1998 - The Whitbread, the ultimate around-the-world
sailing race that began as an adventure 25 years ago, has turned into an
intense virtual experience that tests the stamina, resourcefulness and
skill of all who dare to attempt it. Now available from ESPN VIDEO,
CAUTION TO THE WIND: THE WHITBREAD ROUND THE WORLD RACE 1997-1998 FOR THE
VOLVE TROPHY, chronicles the nine-month event that began in Southampton,
England, on September 21, 1997 and ended there on May 24, 1998.
 Hosted by
ESPN sailing analyst Gary Jobson, viewers will see first-hand what it is
like to race 32,000 miles around the world in the harshest, most extreme
weather conditions on the planet. Sailors and non-sailors alike can share
in the human drama experienced in the sweltering tropical heat of an
equator crossing, the beam-end knockdowns in gale-force winds, three days
without food or water when a generator fails and a broken mast 2,000 miles
from land in the Southern Ocean. They will also join in the celebration as
a new 24-hour distance record is broken and revel in the incredible moment
when the winner of The Whitbread 1997-1998 sails into the history books.
This dynamic new commemorative video is priced to own at $19.99 (S.R.P.).
CAUTION TO THE WIND: THE WHITBREAD ROUND THE WORLD RACE 1997-1998 is
available at retail outlets everywhere and through 1-800-672-9339.
The competitors in The Whitbread 1997-1998 were accustomed to the presence
of video cameras as each crew member was given one and instructed to keep
it running during emotional and pressure-filled moments in the heat of
competition.
According to ESPN sailing analyst Gary Jobson, a world class sailor who has
authored 11 books on sailing, "The Whitbread 1997-1998 was the most
competitive race in history, because all of the boats involved were nearly
identical and, often, as little as 48 seconds separated competitors at the
end of a 3,000-mile leg. With digital video and editing, this race is a
human tale as much as it is a nautical television production."
ESPN Video is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, the recognized
industry leader for 10 consecutive years.
ESPN, Inc., the Worldwide Leader in Sports, is 80 percent owned by ABC
Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The
Hearst Corporation holds the remaining 20 percent interest in ESPN.
| |
|
