Released on = September 7, 2006, 3:52 am

Press Release Author = 20-20 Optical Store

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = During the Clipper 05-06 Yacht Race amateur sailors
participated in a 35,000 mile round the world adventure. British contestant, Beccy
Lock says her performance and on board experience were considerably improved by her
Pure Vision contacts.

Press Release Body = The Clipper 05-06 Yacht Race was a 35,000 mile round the world
adventure in which amateur sailors in 68 foot yachts battled wind, rain and high
seas to reach the finish line in Liverpool.

According to the British contestant, Beccy Lock who was wearing PureVision lenses
from the 20-20 Optical Store, her performance and on board experience were
considerably improved by her contacts.

Here she describes the challenges of life on board and how her lenses made a
difference.

The weather conditions faced by the crews varied from beautiful, sunny but windless
days to storms and blizzard conditions. On each boat the crew, of between 12 and 18,
was divided in two, with one watch racing the yacht and the other sleeping or
resting.

"The watch system means that you typically only have 2½ hours' sleep at a time,"
says Lock. "It would have been a nightmare to have had to remove my lenses every
time I went to my bunk, especially in rough conditions. My PureVision lenses meant
that I could forget I was wearing contact lenses and get those precious few more
minutes in bed."

The advantages of the contact lenses were also clear on deck. In heavier seas there
can be a lot of water crashing over the deck and lots of spray around. During sail
changes the crew have to go up to the bow to hank on the new sail and take down the
old one.

"Despite the best efforts of the helmsman, up on the bow we'd often get swamped by
'greenies' - big waves that would engulf us. If I'd had my glasses on I wouldn't
have been able to see a thing.

Instead I'd just wince as a trickle of cold water found its way into my waterproofs
and down my neck - and then get on with the job!"

"Back on the helm, in strong winds and driving rain, I could also still comfortably
see the compass to steer my course, which is essential in ocean racing."

It's not all cold and rough though; the fleet sailed slowly through the notorious
Doldrums, basked in the sunshine of the Western Australian coast and saw
albatrosses, whales and dolphins.

"It has been an incredible experience and thanks to the 20-20 Optical Store and
Bausch & Lomb's PureVision contact lenses, I was able to see the world differently."


Web Site = http://www.20-20.co.uk/

Contact Details = 0207 596 2020

20-20 Optical Store
216-217 Tottenham Court Rd.
London W1T 7PT