CC MEMO -- "OzBoyz Challenge" Bows Out

A kind letter received today from Phil Edmiston accompanied by a news release:


Dear Tom,

After a great deal of time, effort, and consideration, it is with regret that OzBoyz Challenge informs you it will not be a challenger for the 32nd America's Cup.

Thank you for your time and effort keeping us informed, and assisting us where possible. We wish you and the AC Challenger Commission all the best for what will be an immensely challenging and rewarding time preparing for, and holding the 32nd America's Cup.

OzBoyz is moving on and preparing for the 33rd America's Cup. We hope to see you at that time.

Phil Edmiston
OzBoyz Challenge



MEDIA RELEASE--

"OZBOYZ CHALLENGE LOOKS TO 33RD AMERICA'S CUP"

Australia - April 27, 2005 - OzBoyz Challenge today informed the AC 32 Challenger Commission that it would not be challenging for the 32nd America's Cup to be held in Valencia, Spain, in 2007.

Despite a great deal of time and effort by OzBoyz Challenge to prepare for the 32nd America's Cup, it has run out of time to finalise funding and logistical arrangements required to mount a challenge of the size and expense required.

OzBoyz Challenge founding partners Seek.Com.Au; Saatchi&Saatchi; Sumo; JLM Solutions and supporters have shown tremendous energy to try and get OzBoyz Challenge to the 32nd America's Cup.

"We must now look towards the 33rd America's Cup" said OzBoyz Challenge spokesman Phil Edmiston. "We chose a strategy based on a single national challenge supported by a national body, but were unable to attract the support necessary for a challenge of this type to succeed" continued Edmiston.

Although not participating in the 32nd America's Cup OzBoyz Challenge will be represented on the European circuit this year by Seve Jarvin, and is preparing to participate in the 33rd America's Cup. Seve will continue the young OzBoyz tradition from Michael Dunstan who competed on the Match Racing Circuit last year under the OzBoyz banner.

"Being selected to be associated with OzBoyz Challenge is a big honour at 18 years of age. I have been match racing for the last two years and my goal has always been to get gain selection to race against some of the sailing greats like Russell Coutts and Peter Gilmour," said Jarvin.

OzBoyz Challenge wishes to sincerely thank the many people who actively supported its bid to be a part of the 32nd America's Cup, and hopes that those people and many more will continue to support the OzBoyz Challenge team that will sail on the European circuit this year, and its efforts to be part of the 33rd America's Cup.