On 5 November a fleet of over 20 of the world’s fastest Open 60 monohulls leaves Les Sables d’Olonne on France’s Atlantic coast on what is arguably the world’s most challenging yacht race, the Vizzazi Vendée Globe 2000, a single-handed, non-stop round the world race.

To help you to find out more about the race and follow its progress daily we’re pleased to present readers with a FREE CD ROM containing:

• Virtual Spectator software which allows you to ‘watch’ the action live for the duration of the race
• A discussion of the design and build of these remarkable boats including a guided tour of Team Group 4 by Mike Golding
• A boat by boat and skipper by skipper preview and full race information. PLUS A major feature inside Yachting World on just how these skippers cope for 100 or more lonely days, how they handle their powerful boats, a look at their on board systems and sophisticated autopilots, and how they conquer their loneliness.

Fundamentals of Fundy

What part of the world has the greatest tidal range and fastest streams? It’s not Brittany, nor the Bristol Channel, but across the Atlantic in the Bay of Fundy. John and Jane Gibb go cruising there