Sailing Around the World...Virtually

Have you ever dreamed of sailing around the world? Most of us don't have enough time, money or courage to do something so adventurous. But thanks to the Web, you can sail around the world vicariously through those who are actually doing it. Just think, you can follow the day-to-day action and adventure of being on a racing yacht as it braves the treacherous Southern Ocean with high-speed winds and swells as big as buildings and gently glides on calm, sunny oceans filled with sea life frolicking in the water. You can experience all of this without getting wet, cold, hungry or bored. And you won't have to put up with squabbling crewmembers either. An opportunity of a lifetime is only a mouse-click away.

Three around the world sailing events have Web sites that let you follow the event and make you feel as though you're actually on the boat yourself. You can follow the paths that the boats are taking, read emails from the crew members, check out the latest weather conditions they are having to deal with and keep track of who's winning.

The BT Global Challenge is an around the world sailing race in which competitors with little or no sailing experience circumnavigate the globe going against prevailing winds and currents. Check out all the action as these amateur sailors brave the somewhat unpredictable conditions of the ocean. The Web site for this race is: "http://www.btchallenge.com/race_info/his..."

Another exciting event is the Volvo Ocean Race (previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Race). Some of the world's top sailors compete in this 32,000-mile race around the world. This nine-leg race will visit ten ports and take nearly ten months to complete. To follow the crews in this event, log on to: "http://www.volvooceanrace.org/homepage.h..."

One of the newest sailing races to circumnavigate the globe is The RACE. This competition is the first ever non-stop, no assistance race around the globe. There will be danger, risk, adrenaline and adventure in this around the world race. Take a look at the site, where you can practically taste the salt water: "http://www.therace.org".

Do to the fact that the boats are normally inaccessible to camera crew due to their location, up until now these types of events were non-spectator sports. But the Web has changed that completely. Now you can have a front-row seat to watch the event, from the comfort of your own home...without getting wet.

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