Jeremy Takes The Plunge ! Star To Face World Yacht Challenge
by Martin Banks, Birmingham Evening Mail
February 1, 2001
SUPERSTAR actor Jeremy Irons is to embark on his toughest role yet - a round -the-world yacht race.
The Brideshead Revisted star will link up with West Midlander Anne Pugh and her crew on LG Flatron for the BT Global Challenge next month.
For seven days and nights, Irons will forgo his acting career to tackle the short but dangerous sprint across the Tasman Sea from Wellington to Sydney in the fourth leg of the race.
He will be battling 40ft waves, average winds of 35 knots with only freeze -dried food to look forward to.
Considerable
Irons will join a crew that is taking the race by storm, by winning both leg two and three of the race. As a result, they have gained a considerable lead over the rest of the fleet.
Quantity surveyor Anne, aged 39, from Wolverhampton, is one of a 17-man crew aboard LG Flatron on the 30,000-mile race.
She said: 'We are all delighted that Jeremy is joining us. He has lots of sailing experience and will be a great addition to the crew.'
Irons, who won an Oscar in 1991 for his role in Reversal Of Fortune, said: 'I am delighted to have the chance to be joining the leading yacht in the race.
'I was brought up sailing so it is in my blood and this opportunity has to be one of the ultimate sailing challenges.
'I am terrified and exhilerated by the idea of the experience and hope that LG Flatron,in spite of my crewing, is the first to see the welcoming sight of Sydney Harbour in all its glory.'