TAWR2000 to start March 25 and end April 11 in Fortaleza, Brazil
by Laurie Nadel/Media Director TeamUSA/TAWR2000

Sagres, Portugal. March 18, 2000.

An unexpected delay in the start of the Trans-Atlantic Windsurf
Race was announced in Portugal last night. Instead of launching today, the
windsurfers will start on their trans-Atlantic journey on March 25th. The
race organizers announced the one-week delay is due to poor weather in
Greece, where the teams' rigid inflatable boats (R.I.B.S.) have been under
construction. The boats are due to arrive in Portugal during the week,
giving all three teams time to pack their equipment and practice launching
and getting back onto the boat.

The race is scheduled to end in Fortaleza, Brazil, on April 11th
instead of April 6, as originally planned.

There will be three teams competing in TAWR2000: a Brazilian
team, made up of eight sailors, most of whom come from Rio de Janeiro; a
European team, made up of a French sailor, one Italian one from Germany, and one from
Aruba; and Team USA, whose final lineup includes John Chao, Marco de Moraes,
Guy Miller, Monty Spindler, and Renata Fuzetti. Fuzetti, 22, is the only
woman competing in the event. She is ranked 9th in the world by the
Professional Windsurfing Association's women's division.

Yesterday, Petrobras, the Brazilian-government's petroleum
conglomerate, signed on as the title sponsor for the event, which is now
known as the Petrobras Trans-Atlantic Windsurf Race 2000. This last-minute
sponsorship is a huge boost to the morale of all the sailors. It will also
heighten media interest in the race as one of the main events featured during
the yearlong celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the discovery of
Brazil.

Although the change of dates was not expected, it has not had a
negative impact on the morale of the American team. "We are using the time
to work on our equipment and practice sailing," says organizing captain John
Chao. "We will have time to visit Monty Spindler's sail loft in Tarifa, and
return in time to get ready for departure. One thing we all agree on:
Attitude is everything. It will definitely be the overriding theme of this
adventure."