The world's toughest endurance race
  • One of the world's longest migrations - 6,000 miles across open water
  • Major hurdles to overcome - Taking flight, Bass Straight (first expanse of water), Great Australian Bight (Great White Sharks), the Roaring Forties (hypothermia and storms) the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean (losing their way), before making it to the Benguela Current and its rich fishing territory.
  • The birds have 'trainers' (world leaders in seabird research)
  • The birds are from three different 'stables' (islands - Pedra Branca, Albatross Island and Mewstone)
  • Each bird has an 'owner' (high-profile supporters of the project)
  • Each bird has been mounted up with a 'jockey' (electronic satellite tracking device)
  • Spectators will be able to follow the action from the Ladbrokes.com 'Grandstand' and bet on the race, with all profits going to future seabird conservation projects

 
The Course

Start: Three islands off the coast of Tasmania

Course: The Southern Ocean between Australia and South Africa.

Finish: The Cape of Good Hope (line of longitude passing through Cape of Good Hope) or 05.00 GMT Tuesday 5th August 2004, whichever is first.