Yachting: BT Global Challenge due to set sail

12:00 PM

Yachts competing in the BT Global Challenge will set sail from Wellington this afternoon.

Aboard the leading yacht L G Flatron will be Oscar-winning British actor Jeremy Irons.

He says although he is a good sailor he has never sailed on such a large yacht, and has never been in a deep ocean race.

He hopes Wellingtonians will go down to the harbour to support the departing yachts when they leave at one o'clock this afternoon.

Yachts in the BT Global Challenge sail around the world against prevailing winds and tides.

BT Global Challenge