GBR Challenge was back on the water on 28th June 2004 as planned for the first phase of their on the water testing in the 2004-2007 programme. GBR 70 ‘Wight Lightning’, the boat that the team raced in the 2002/03 Louis Vuitton Cup in Auckland has been given a facelift and was looking fabulous in its new navy blue livery.

The team are following a programme of technical testing, following some modifications to GBR 70, which were carried out as a result of the two rounds of tank testing completed so far.

Adrian Stead, tactician from the 2003 GBR Challenge campaign and acting as Helmsman on GBR70 this week commented, “This is the first time GBR 70 has been sailed in UK waters and it feels really good. Getting the team spirit up and running again with renewed focus and vision makes us all feel 100% positive about our progress".

The team will carry on with this programme of on-the-water testing throughout the summer of 2004 making valuable use of this time period whilst finalising sponsorship contracts. They will also be using this period for sponsor hospitality and media on-the-water interviews in the build-up to the first America’s Cup regattas in September 2004.

Jeremy Elliott, a Sailing Team member in 2003 and now also part of the technical group added:

" Since our return from New Zealand we've worked hard on an in-depth technical review and begun tank work on aspects of the new ACC Rule. In the background, a number of other technical projects have been ongoing and its great to see those developments now taking shape and to get out there sailing GBR70 once again."