Explorative trip through eastern seas

Captain Joe Outred and his crew yesterday launched the '2002 World Adventure', which sails from Dubai on a new explorative mission through the eastern seas.

The initiative, announced during a press conference at the Hilton Dubai Creek, will see Captain Outred aboard an impressive twin-masted ship called John Player.

The boat has undergone modifications since last March at the Jadaf boatyard in Dubai, which refitted the ship extensively to make it ready for the new voyage.

Dubai Creek has been chosen by the organisers as departing port. It is a tribute to the emirate's maritime history and its contribution to the development and success of maritime trade ports.

Dubai represents the extraordinary development of an ancient fishermen's village into an international trading hub, which has changed forever the economy of the Gulf area.

As the major trading port of the Middle East, Dubai has turned the Gulf into a main link between Europe and Asia.

Nehal Ahmed, International Brand Manager of British American Tobacco, which is sponsoring the event, said the cruise will touch the Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand before casting anchor in Hong Kong.

Along the route, the captain and his crew will report on how these trade ports have evolved and "how people have turned their past and heritage into a successful present using tradition".

He added: "Destinations will offer examples of integration between maritime tradition and overall economical growth."

The boat itself represents the sum of past and modern technology, combining its classical design with the best of modern electronics. It was built of wood 20 years ago as a perfect copy of an antique brigantine, but was equipped mechanically and electronically to guarantee the safety of the crew. On board are navigational computers, dual GPS and a radar system.

Outred explained: "A 140-foot brigantine yacht, this boat follows the traditional models which were designed a long time ago for long voyages, covering around 1,800 nautical miles."

The vessel makes optimum use of wind power thanks to multiple square-shaped sails, he said.

"With good weather conditions, we expect a speed of about 10 knots," he said.

The voyage of about 8,000 nautical miles will finish in Hong Kong most probably at the end of October. Supported by an international crew of 10, Captain Outred is not new to this kind of mission.

His experience counts more than 30 transatlantic crossings, trips across the Pacific Ocean and three years on board his Gold Leaf during the John Player Gold Leaf World Adventure.