In October 2004, the twelve fully crewed, identical steel yachts, that made up the Global Challenge race fleet left Portsmouth for their 'wrong way' circumnavigation of the globe, crewed almost exclusively by amateur sailors. Later described by his team-mates as 'Unapproachable, argumentative and fiery' Richard Parson was a crew member on board one of the yachts - Team Stelmar. This Story is richard's tale from aboard and these are his thoughts and his comments on the EXPERIENCE, the individuals and the race. Sometimes humorous, sometimes blunt.