Team Philips is towed to safety Pete Goss' attempt to break the Jules Verne record for the fastest non-stop circumnavigation hit a stumbling block during sea trials on 29 March when his catamaran. Team Philips, lost part of her www.t«»mphilip».com profile launch.

St. Mary's lifeboat was alerted just before 090O when the Team Philips crew noticed problems some 26 miles off the Isles of Scilly. When the lifeboat arrived on scene, the port side bow started to fail and, later, broke away. The Severn class lifeboat. The White/leads, was requested to take the damaged bow section in tow to relieve drag on the catamaran as she limped back to St. Mary's.It later became apparent that, due to wind direction, tide and proximity to the islands, towing Team Philips would be the best option.

Following some skilful manoeuvring >_^_ ancTSDme difficulties passing a line in the strong winds, the catamaran was taken under tow. Progress was slow so, at 1300, the lifeboat coxswain repositioned the tow, which helped increase speed.

Team Philips finally reached safety some seven hours later whereupon the lifeboat and Royal Navy helicopter.

Rescue 193, transferred three divers and equipment to the casualty.

The official launch date for the record attempt is 3.1 QecembeiTso Pete Goss right-Ms"currently fundraisiny for repairs - with a percentage of the cash-going to lifeboat coffers as way of thanks.

For further information see •^R^ the Team Philips website at.