Rolex and world of sailing have a long established relationship which has given the world some of the most fantastic regattas that sailors dream of participating in and try their hardest to win too. Two of the most prestigious regattas which are the high points of sailing racing calendar include the Rolex Fastnet Race and Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race both of which boast of Rolex stamp to be counted among the most preferred regattas of the sailors from across the world. Held in two different continents both the regattas are known for providing opportunities to the sailors to come together and push themselves beyond the limits of human endurance and try and live their dreams. This year is going to be a special and memorable year in the history of sailing as for the first time in history the winners of Rolex Fastnet Race would be taking part in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the same year.

Among the two regattas the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race has already witnessed one of the strongest ever line ups and some fiercely fought racing time. The fleet in the regatta started off from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes and took the difficult 608 mile long course which included the famous Fastnet Rock, after which the race is named, and finally returned to the western end of the breakwater in the famous Plymouth Harbour. The 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race saw Farr 100, ICAP Leopard and JV72 Ran emerge as winners. Mike Slade’s Farr 100, ICAP Leopard took the line honours whereas Niklas Zennstrom’s JV72 Ran was the overall winner at this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race would be the last regatta of the year and would bring all the sailors to Australia in their hope of conquering the popular regatta. A little longer than the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race would require the yachts to sail along a 628 nautical mile long course with Sydney Harbour being the starting point. The course would take them through the Tasman Sea along the eastern coast of Australia and then through the Bass Strait and finally to the Tasman Island. The regatta would come to an end up at the Derwent River in Hobart. As this is going to be the last race of the year no one is going to find it easy to win the prestigious regatta.

For the winners of the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race who would be creating history just by participating in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race it would also be a chance for bigger glory if they can win this one too. Almost 40 years ago Crusade and Morning Cloud won the line honours and handicap and since then no two British yachts have won the championship in the same year. Going by the kind of performances that Farr 100, ICAP Leopard and JV72 Ran were able to carry out in the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race it looks highly likely that JH Illingworth Trophy for the line honours and Tattersall’s Cup for the handicap would once again be won by British yachts at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

This year’s Rolex Fastnet Race saw the yachts going through the rigors of the race yet again and one particular yacht that had water race enthusiasts peddling for its victory was the Chernikeeff 2. While Team RAN won the much coveted Blue Ribbon trophy the Chernikeeff 2 had to face a line of obstacles on its way and despite all odds finished the race at a close 12^th position.

The conditions in weather were such that the smaller yachts had to struggle to keep themselves afloat and the fact that there was continuous sailing for a period of five days did not help matters either. The Chernikeeff 2 had to face some demanding waters but like the Rolex brand of watches the yacht’s commitment to excellence made it a champion amongst the many teams that set sail to achieve victory at this event.

Rolex watches have gained their reputation owing to over a century’s efforts in making these watches a brand name when it came to marking the accuracy of time. It would be an understatement to say that Rolex had to face tough competition from other watch brands on their course to distinction but nothing deterred them. In fact it is this fighting spirit of Rolex that bears a liking to the graph that the Chernikeeff 2 had to trace during this year’s Fastnet Race.

Rolex watches have always striven to be the ones who have estimated the glory of being at the number one position with utmost respect and the Rolex perseverance to stay put there is legendary. While the Chernikeeff 2 tossed against the mad rushes of the uncontrollable situation that the waters offered to those who were steering it, it’s will to survive reflected the Rolex’s
The Chernikeeff 2 housed the UKSA GBR Yacht Racing Team on its planks and this year the team had come with a promise to beat the waters at their game. The Chernikeeff 2 jacks were committed sailors who had put their age and their expertise on premium for the Rolex Fastnet Race. All the yachters were under 23 years of age and were led by Tom Gall who had returned to the English shores after a stint with the Puma Volvo Ocean Race Team.

The Chernikeeff 2 enjoyed smooth sailing for the first two days and featured amongst the top 5 in the races. The Rolex Fastnet race that starts off from Cowes on the beautiful Isle of Wight in England rounds off the immortal Fastnet rock situated off the southwest coast of Ireland and finally drags to finish at Plymouth in the South of England. The Fastnet Challenge cup sponsored by Rolex is a much coveted prize and attracts thousands of yachters from all over the world ever two years that the event is held.

While routing this course ill luck struck the Chernikeeff 2.When the yacht had left the Channel and was nailing around Lands End a backstay force hit the yacht and inadvertently the Chernikeeff 2 had to steer in the opposite direction to the Fastnet Rock for at least an hour. Despite these impediments the Chernikeeff in keeping with the character of the Rolex Fastnet Race regained its lost position and strived to give the other teams some good competition. Yachting enthusiasts and supporters were left to admire the courage and the indomitable spirit that these young men had displayed and made the Rolex Fastnet Race experience a bespoken one.

A young bunch of very young but enthusiastic sailors made it to the Fastnet Race with sheer grit and determination and a passion to excel. Salisbury schoolboys made history when they completed the race with a fervour that was infectious and unprecedented. The Rolex brand of watches associate themselves only with those who have a zeal for life and wanting to live life to the fullest go every which way to make success stories possible. Rolex ideology is to constantly innovate and reinvent itself in various manners and ultimately serve its clients something that they may not have expected but are more than pleased to accept.

The Rolex sponsored Fastnet race that recently concluded and when it did, swept in with the tide a series of fortunate accidents and happy though tired endings scripted another surprise win. The students from Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury were themselves surprised at the deal that they had cracked. Sailing on the Farr 65ft yacht that they had named Spirit of Minerva the students knew that they were not as determined to win as they were to make this experience memorable for themselves.

The Fastnet race is a yachting race that is held every two years and starts off at Cowes that is situated on the beautiful Isle of Wight in England. The race that is attended by yacht sailing enthusiasts from all over the country and all over the world finally finishes when the yachts deck in at the Plymouth Harbour in the South of England. The race is tiring but only for those who have joined it to just sail their yachts and are not excited about the life changing experience that the Rolex Fastnet Race can become.

The Salisbury boys claimed the 42^nd place in their class of 59 and stood at the 89^th position by the end of the game, which is no mean feat by Rolex Fastnet standards. The boys would have reached the Plymouth much earlier had the Land’s end obstacles not played spoilt sport. Evidently it was a frustrating patch and bogged the team’s spirit down but only to a certain extent.

The boys had spent a full two years in preparation for the event and the excitement of participating in the 608 mile race took over the initial disappointment. The Salisbury yachters were also the youngest to enter the race with ages between 16 to18 and spent the couple of years extensively training themselves in team building manoeuvres, sea survival and dinghy building exercises. By the end of this training they were physically fit to compete in three preparatory events.

The boys’ PE teacher Terry Gilmour had moments of nervousness perhaps because his team was so young but the boys surprised him and did him proud. He described the experience of crossing the finishing line with the boys as magical. The team was rightly exhilarated with their efforts finally paying off and the team accompanied with their teacher Dave Bell, a doctor Kevin McBride, mate Tom Jeffries and skipper Michael Coller celebrated amidst cheering whoops.

Despite facing odds where some of the boys were seasick what saved the team was their previous team building efforts. The Salisbury team played together; sailed together and won together reflecting the Rolex spirit in every which way that they could.

Bouncing over the waves of the sometimes pristine ocean waters sailors at the Rolex Fastnet gather all ability and focus on controlling the boat as it manoeuvres over the elusive waves. Brought to the forefront by Rolex, the Rolex Fastnet Races are the most recognized offshore racing tournaments in the world. From the shores of the east to the wind swept lands of the west, sailors congregate at the waters of Cowes to compete in the eminent racing challenge sponsored by Rolex. Bringing together some of the most diverse groups of people both in form of competing sailors as well as spectators, the Rolex Fastnet Challenge is regarded by many as a proving ground for testing grit and ambition.

Some of the most daunting challenges have dogged the sailors in the past and understanding this aspect they come to participate already tuned to the unexpected obstacles that could be thrown in front of them. Participating members traverse the unpredictable ocean from Cowes located in the Isle of Wight in England heading along the English Channel then rounding off at the Fastnet Rock before finally crossing the finish line at Plymouth in England. Covering a distance of 608 nautical miles the Fastnet race has retained its basic structure for the past 84 years it has been around.

On the 9^th of August around 300 yachts from around the globe set sail from the shores of Cowes towards the finish line. Amongst this incredible number of yachts that competed at the Rolex Fastnet Race was the flagship carrier of Lloyds Yacht Club, a boat christened Lutine. Onboard the Lutine representing the Lloyd’s Yacht Club will be a team of professional and highly skilled sailors. Members of the Lloyd’s Yacht Club have a long standing relationship with the Rolex Fastnet Race. Over the many years the Rolex Fastnet Race has been around it has developed a historical association with many organizations that have been able to grasp the true nature of the Rolex race and its actual purpose of building an ambition of attaining perfection and greatness.

Representing the Lloyds Yacht Club, the yacht by the name of Lutine was all set to outclass, outperform and outrival the other competitors who descended on the waters near England. The 2009 version of the Rolex Fastnet Challenge is probably going to be remembered as the most spectacular in the history of the sport. With 300 yachts lining up at the Royal Yacht Squadron line to head towards the finish line at Plymouth, the team onboard the Lutine had to put in a lot of effort in order to try and clinch the top prize. Skippered by Simon Vayro, the entire crew onboard the Lutine was fully aware of the competition and the magnitude of nature’s forces that could easily sink the most determined team along with their sturdiest boats.

As the Rolex Fastnet competitive regatta drew nearer anxious teams were preparing their boats and their spirits to bear the brunt of the elemental forces and the onslaught of other skilled teams.

Collaborating to bring to the world some of the most prestigious sailing regatta tournaments in the world, Rolex has aided the advancement of sailing as a world class sport. A large portion of the revenue that is generated by the sale of Rolex watches is given to fuel the growth of many sporting events around the world including the sport of sailing.

Sailing as a sport has seen a tremendous contribution by Rolex in its development that was vital for it becoming a world renowned sport. The Rolex sailing regattas that are held all over the world have become approving grounds for exceptional sailors who come from every corner of the world. Sponsoring to hold more than 20 prestigious sailing events around the globe, Rolex has led to the complete transformation of the sport of sailing. From the coast of the Caribbean to the sea of China the Rolex sailing challenges have been known to draw tremendous viewership and participation.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is one of the most challenging regatta events on the planet and test the limit of endurance and the capacity of determination. Setting sail from the shores of Cowes on the Isle of Wight in England, the sailors go round the Fastnet Rock located on the southwest coast of Ireland and finish off at Plymouth located in the Southern part of England after passing through the south side of the Isles of Scilly and cover a total distance of 608 nautical miles. The Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth collaborate with Rolex to hold this premier sailing event.

Sailors need to be fine tuned and work on added techniques before they set sail into the Rolex Fastnet challenge that demands a very high level of skill and determination. Many sailors who are going to compete in the Rolex Fastnet Challenge compete in other sailing events before the gruelling challenge in order to polish their skills and techniques. The Royal Ocean Racing Club holds an offshore regatta prior to the challenge that is held in August. The Royal Ocean Racing Club offshore regatta is the last opportunity for sailors to prepare themselves, fine tune their equipment along with their yachts prior to the incredible Rolex Fastnet Challenge. The Royal Ocean Racing Club Channel Race is not just a mere dress rehearsal as it offers an overall prize along with several other trophies that includes the Inter Service Trophy for the best Armed Services Yacht. The performance of the sailors also earns them points that are counted for the Royal Ocean Racing Season’s Points Championship.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Season’s Points Championship comprises a range of regattas that test the capacity of a sailor in every manner possible. The standings for the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Season’s Points Championship are calculated on the basis of the points that are earned in all the racing events that also include the most prestigious and oldest offshore regatta tournament, the Rolex Fastnet Race. Drawing a varied number of international sailors, the Royal Ocean Racing Club Channel Race is a prestigious tournament that holds its own against all the other racing challenges.

The mere sight of watching a fleet of yachting vessels sail ahead, manoeuvring the dicey waves and harnessing the elusive wind, is enough to bring back the spectators as well as the competing sailors for more. Celebrating the pre-eminent sport of sailing for numerous years now, Rolex has proudly supported several regatta championships around the world. The Rolex Fastnet Race presented by Rolex is one of the oldest offshore regattas on this planet, however it is the extreme challenges that are elemental to this regatta that have given it worldwide recognition. Rolex has been associated with more than 20 prestigious sailing events around the globe that have in turn played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of sporting action.

Right from the first batch of sailors that set sail for the ocean in a bid to win the first Fastnet Challenge in 1925 up till now, this prestigious racing tournament has always been recognized as approving ground for sailors. The fleet of competitive sailors takes off from the shores of Cowes located on the Isle of Wight in England then goes round the Fastnet Rock on the southwest coast of Ireland and finally finishes off at Plymouth located in the Southern part of England after passing through the south side of the Isles of Scilly. Covering a total distance of 608 nautical miles the sailors that come to compete in this famous regatta have to be immensely talented and well versed with the unpredictable waves of ocean. Even though some of the most prolific and skilled sailors come to compete at this event, the immense challenges offered at the Rolex Fastnet Race demand that the sailors to come well prepared. The Royal Ocean Racing Club is an integral associate member of the organizing committee that is responsible for creating the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Apart from supporting the Rolex Fastnet Challenge, the Royal Ocean Racing Club holds other regattas that are counted towards determining the winner of the Royal Ocean Racing Season’s Points Championship. On Saturday the Royal Ocean Racing Club held the Channel Race which is more than a dress rehearsal for the Rolex Fastnet Race. As the sailors took off from the shores, the wind that blew at 12 knots had soon reached a maximum of 20 knots. The RORC Channel Race was marked with minimal speed winds that instantly gained speed and took on gale force strength. The element of surprise proved to be an added aspect that tested the skills of the competing sailors. Marking a spectacular debut in RORC Channel Race for 2009 Niklas Zennström on board his JV 72 class vessel christened Ràn crossed the finish line and claimed the line honours, the IRC Overall, along with the IRC Super Zero by a credible margin. Stunning the competition and the spectators with his sailing ability this first time sailor performed exceedingly well at the 2009 RORC Channel Race.

The race results might have set the ball rolling and maybe some sort of an indication to the outcome of the Rolex Fastnet Race but the tremendous challenge of the Fastnet can never be taken too lightly.

Regarded as the oldest and probably the most enduring offshore races in the world, the Rolex Fastnet Race is a congregation of the best sailors in the world. As a part of Rolex’s global portfolio it supports a number of sailing events around the world. Collaborating to create over 20 world class regatta challenges around the globe like the Rolex Fastnet Race, Rolex ensures that it provides all the sailors with increased opportunities and a chance of furthering their ambitions.

The tremendous challenges that are an inseparable part of the Rolex Fastnet Challenge test the limits of endurance and will. As the principal part of this famed offshore regatta challenge, Rolex provides all the support that is necessary for transforming this sailing event into a world class proving ground for sailors. Over the 84 years the celebrated Fastnet challenge has been around it has been a witness to more then its fair share of landmark display of talent and skill. Every time the Rolex Fastnet Challenge comes around sailors all over the world are abuzz with excitement. This years Rolex Fastnet Challenge is going to kick off from the 9^th of August from the shores of Cowes in England.

Trudging forward onboard the various vessels the sailors set sail for Cowes heading along the English Channel rounding off at the Fastnet Rock before finally crossing the finish line at Plymouth in England. The 608 nautical mile race is known for its capacity to push every sailor into testing the very limit of their determination and resilience. According to reports a total of 300 racing yachts will gather on the shores of Cowes located on the Isle of Wight in bid to try their fate in the Rolex Fastnet Challenge. At the Rolex Fastnet Challenge this year amongst the competitive regatta vessels from around the world will be the Hugo Boss yacht. The refurbished Open 60 Hugo Boss racing yacht will be joining the competitors at the Rolex Fastnet Challenge.

Onboard the newly finished Hugo Boss yacht will be an illustrious team of world class sailors who have numerous feats to their credit. Solo around the world sailor from Britain, Alex Thompson will be a part of the incredible team. Apart from him the team also includes sailors like celebrated navigator from Australia, Andrew Cape along with the skilled captain of the Hugo Boss boat, Ross Daniel. Andrew Cape shares an eventful history with Alex Thompson both of whom participated as a team in the Barcelona World Cup of 2007 and secured the second place. Racing towards the finish line on the 9^th the next month the sailors of the Hugo Boss have a better chance of clinching the title with the fully loaded boat. The Open 60 of the Hugo Boss team underwent a complete re-fit and revamp at Endeavour Quays company located in Gosport in the United Kingdom.

Although the quality of the sailors plays a pivotal role in determining the standings, the performance and capabilities of the boat also plays a very crucial role. Enthused fans are hoping for the overhauled Hugo Boss to be the first vessel to cross the finish line at Plymouth and considering the skilled crew onboard this newly fitted boat, the idea of the Hugo Boss appearing first over the horizon does not seem far fetched.

The mere sight of watching a fleet of yachting vessels sail ahead, manoeuvring the dicey waves and harnessing the elusive wind, is enough to bring back the spectators as well as the competing sailors for more. Celebrating the pre-eminent sport of sailing for numerous years now, Rolex has proudly supported several regatta championships around the world. The Rolex Fastnet Race presented by Rolex is one of the oldest offshore regattas on this planet, however it is the extreme challenges that are elemental to this regatta that have given it worldwide recognition. Rolex has been associated with more than 20 prestigious sailing events around the globe that have in turn played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of sporting action.

Right from the first batch of sailors that set sail for the ocean in a bid to win the first Fastnet Challenge in 1925 up till now, this prestigious racing tournament has always been recognized as approving ground for sailors. The fleet of competitive sailors takes off from the shores of Cowes located on the Isle of Wight in England then goes round the Fastnet Rock on the southwest coast of Ireland and finally finishes off at Plymouth located in the Southern part of England after passing through the south side of the Isles of Scilly. Covering a total distance of 608 nautical miles the sailors that come to compete in this famous regatta have to be immensely talented and well versed with the unpredictable waves of ocean. Even though some of the most prolific and skilled sailors come to compete at this event, the immense challenges offered at the Rolex Fastnet Race demand that the sailors to come well prepared. The Royal Ocean Racing Club is an integral associate member of the organizing committee that is responsible for creating the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Apart from supporting the Rolex Fastnet Challenge, the Royal Ocean Racing Club holds other regattas that are counted towards determining the winner of the Royal Ocean Racing Season’s Points Championship. On Saturday the Royal Ocean Racing Club held the Channel Race which is more than a dress rehearsal for the Rolex Fastnet Race. As the sailors took off from the shores, the wind that blew at 12 knots had soon reached a maximum of 20 knots. The RORC Channel Race was marked with minimal speed winds that instantly gained speed and took on gale force strength. The element of surprise proved to be an added aspect that tested the skills of the competing sailors. Marking a spectacular debut in RORC Channel Race for 2009 Niklas Zennström on board his JV 72 class vessel christened Ràn crossed the finish line and claimed the line honours, the IRC Overall, along with the IRC Super Zero by a credible margin. Stunning the competition and the spectators with his sailing ability this first time sailor performed exceedingly well at the 2009 RORC Channel Race.

The race results might have set the ball rolling and maybe some sort of an indication to the outcome of the Rolex Fastnet Race but the tremendous challenge of the Fastnet can never be taken too lightly.

It takes years together for anything to make its mark and stand at the top of the pyramid where it would be an honour for anyone to be associated with it. And when two greats get together it results in something absolutely unimaginable. Not only they add value to each other’s profile but also raise their own stature. Whenever such linkages have been built in the world everyone has taken notice and looked forward to enjoying the result of the best becoming better. The same kind of excitement was too obvious to be missed when two remarkable giants on their own turfs, Rolex and Fastnet Race, came together and thus started the evolution of Rolex Fastnet Race. There could not have been a better tribute to the values that Rolex and Fastnet Race always stood for than the two joining hands in promoting the same even further.

Fastnet Race is a highly renowned and popular yachting race, which ranks at the top among the different classic offshore races. The race covers a distance of 608 miles off the coasts of UK. Its starting point is on the Isle of Wright at Cowes and the end point is Plymouth, both in England. Along its course the race rounds the Fastnet Rock, which is situated off the southwest coast of Ireland and passes just south of the Isles of Scilly. The team that beats the rest can lay its hands on the prestigious Fastnet Challenge Cup.

For many it is still debatable but it is believed that the first Fastnet race was held in the year 1925 and was won by Jolie Brise. The race caught the fancy of yachting enthusiasts from the very beginning and its popularity kept rising race after race. After almost half a century of successful racing in the year 1973 International Offshore Rule was introduced which meant that the yachts and crew could go ahead and take up sponsorships. The race had started off as an annual race but after 1931 it became a biennial event. Since then the yachting teams, crews and fans, all eagerly look forward to this race that is a test of the inner strength and motivation that its participants have.

The significance of the Fastnet Race reached higher levels when Rolex started sponsoring the event. In fact the very name of the race was changed and was rechristened Rolex Fastnet Race. It is now one of the most awaited Rolex events in the whole world. The number of participants in the race has been on a constant rise and the number is fast closing on to a 300 boat strong fleet.

BLESMA, the British Limbless Ex Servicemen Association is well known for providing support and care for the amputees and other disabled ex service personnel. This is something that Rolex always considers quite close to its basic philosophy. BLESMA has been strongly promoting this cause for a long time through different channels. Taking the same cause forward an all disabled BLESMA team is going to take part in the Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 in the month of August. The kind of success BLESMA enjoyed through its successful Transatlantic crossing last year has really pumped the team up and poses a threat to the able-bodied sailors as well.

Rolex on its part always ensures that it does everything it can to associate with events that promote success achieved through sheer hard work and untiring efforts, something it itself brings out in its own offerings. The same motive has been the reason for the pride that Rolex takes in being actively involved with the Fastnet Race.

Considered to be a classic the Fastnet Race is a popular offshore yachting race. A British yachtsman Weston Martyr who had competed in the Bermudan races conceived the idea of the Fastnet Races. This biennial racing event covers a total distance of 608 nautical miles. It commences at Cowes in the Isle of Wright in England round the Fastnet rock on the southwest coast of Ireland and after crossing the southern part of the Isles of Scilly ends at Plymouth in England. The first Fastnet race in the year 1925 saw a total of seven boats competing. This time honoured tradition of battling the fiercest waves has stood the test of time and even though some rough incidents have marred its image it still continues to grow at a tremendous rate. In 1973 the International Offshore Rule was included in the rules of the Fastnet Races after which the various yachts that were competing began to seek sponsorship. The 1979 Fastnet race is covered in controversy and several books were penned down to capture the dramatic turn of events.

The Fastnet Race in 2007 was postponed by 25 hours due to the heavy gale force winds; this was a first in the history of the sport. The next day a total of 207 boats out of 271 had removed themselves from the race. Even though the weather conditions were extremely severe and could take a turn for the worse any time, Mike Slade on his Icap Leopard 3 braved the strong winds and shaved off almost 9 hours off the previous record and set a new record at 44 hours and 18 minutes. With such a dramatic history attached to it, the Fastnet Races have grown from merely a sport to an ultimate test of human endeavour and the capacity to prevail over daunting challenges. The entries for the Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 began on the 1st of January and were closed after the maximum capacity of 300 competitors was reached. About 70 entries are on the waiting list, they have a chance of competing only if the original members don’t turn up.

This year the entries range from a 30 foot yacht to a 100 foot one while the crew varies from being completely professional to some who are competing only for the adventure and thrill of conquering the 608 mile challenge. Scheduled to begin on the 9th of August at noon the competitors for the Rolex Fastnet Race are from across the globe including Australia, Honk Kong and Europe. The legendary Mike Slade and his 100 foot boat are all set to compete and probably conquer again this year. Due to the strict observation of rules all the yachts are screened rigorously and have to comply with all the requirements before they set off churning though the icy waters to glory.

The Rolex Fastnet Race is an ultimate test of endurance, courage and skill, all the important prerequisites of a true sportsman. Rolex endorses this tremendous ordeal that sheds light on man’s true character and brings forth the courage that transforms men into champions.