THE Spirit of Teignmouth yacht made an unceremonious exit from the town on Thursday last week. The 68ft trimaran once bound for round the world record sailing attempts left on the back of a lorry as dusk fell. It is a sad end for the dreams of adventurer Simon Chalk, who had hoped to sail the John Shuttleworth designed vessel around the world against prevailing winds. The venture hit stormy waters and Mr Chalk put the company behind it, Woodvale International Ltd, into voluntary liquidation, along with Fore Seasons Leisure Ltd, the company running his now-closed Torquay nightclub venture, Route 66. Woodvale Events Ltd, which organises ocean rowing races, is in voluntary administration. It has been reported that debts have hit £1.7 million. Mr Chalk was at the controls of a JCB which lifted the shell of the hull onto a low-loader at Teignmouth Den. He was upbeat as the yacht was moved from the partially demolished visitor centre. He said the year had been pretty bad, but hoped for better things to come in 2007. It took days to prepare the hull for removal. The outriggers and cabin had been taken away before Christmas. It will be kept in storage and Mr Chalk insists that 'it is definitely not the end,' for the venture, which will need to attract a major sponsor if it is to continue. He has vowed to honour all those left out of pocket by the demise of his record-breaking sailing attempt. The project attracted much controversy in the town. Some said the 'shed,' was blight on a beauty spot. Others stood behind the project determined that it was a new era in Teignmouth's maritime history. Cllr Sylvia Russell, a volunteer at the centre and supporter, said: 'I think that Simon is rather relieved at this stage and he is looking to ensure the survival of his other interests. Despite a few, there was support in Teignmouth and I know that Simon is grateful for that and he will honour that.' Last month, Mr Chalk and the Spirit team took out a full-page advert in the Teignmouth Post to thank the thousands of visitors and well wishers that supported the project. A crowd gathered to witness the boat leave the town, just as they welcomed it in a year ago. The demise of what was a new chapter in Teignmouth's sailing history comes as national attention is focussed on the past. Deep Water, the story of Teignmouth sailor Donald Crowhurst and the ill-fated Teignmouth Electron, hit the big screen last week.
