Following my transit to Tahiti aboard Bruno Peyron's 'Explorer', I've been equiping the vessel 'CapeSeeker' for distance sailing. My current plan is to trial the vessel by criss-crossing the North Pacific between San Francisco & Hawai`i. I've pushed back my departure date until possibly September of 98', in favor of preparation & the fact 'El Nino' is creating havoc across my projected south-bound route.

I'm also going to work to find a much needed title sponsor. True, we have many sponsors but they're primarily for donations of equipment & services. Financially, we're deep into the red... we haven't received much in terms of cash sponsorship.

Also, the vessel I currently have use of (Robert Asakura's 'CapeSeeker') is a big compromise in terms of the best long term solution for record allocation & racing. As has been my primary goal since arrival back from my last circumnavigation, it's to find a title sponsor to build a Jean Marie-Finot Open 50.

Of course, my aim still being to circumnavigate nonstop and to compete in the 'Around Alone Race' of 2002-03. The five years to the start of that edition of the race will better enable me to find a company that can make this racing career a realization.