Ahoy There!
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There are estimated to be more than 350 million people in the world diagnosed with Diabetes / Diabetes Mellitus – often referred to as Diabetes. This is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced.
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My name is EDDIE CRANE, a amateur sailor who has been certified by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) as a Competent Crew Member, as well as being certified as a Day Skipper for Offshore Sail and Power Craft.
Click the logo on the right to join my Sailing for Diabetes group at LinkedIn. 
Click the logo on the right to join my Sailing for DiabetesÂ
I have taken up the challenge (and cleared by my Medical Practitioner) as a diagnosed Type II Diabetic, to attempt to be the first Diabetic to sail 40,000 miles around the world as a crew member of a stripped down 70 foot yacht over a 12 month period. During this process I hope to assist with Medical Research, as well as showing that Diabetics can take up extreme challenges similar to completely healthy individuals.
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In order for me to take up this challenge, I am seeking Companies, Entities, Individuals to partner with me. Please review the section on Sponsorship Opportunities on this website.  Â
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I had to withdraw from the 11-12 Clipper Ventures Round the World Yacht race due to medical treatment required, which was diagnosed during my Final Medical Examination for clearance to compete in the race: The diagnosis was that I was required to have a Left Eye Cataract Operation, as well as treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome. This procedure requirement resulted in me having to miss the Final Training Session, which is a requirement to compete in the race. Therefore, I was not cleared to take my place on board a yacht for the race.
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The good news is that I have had the corrective procedure and have now been re-examined and found fit to compete in the 13-14 Race!
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On a disappointing note, Oval Insurance Broking (United Kingdom) has refused to provide me with insurance cover, stating "As Mr Crane is continuing to have follow ups for his diabetes condition, diabetes will not be able to be covered. The underwriters will only consider cover for the diabetes if he does not have any investigation or follow up for this condition for 2 years prior to the commencement of cover." Due to my improved health and excellent control of my glucose levels, my medication has recently been adjusted from NovoMix 30 insulin, to Victoza.
fit to compete in the 13-14 Race!
In my attempts to show that Type II Diabetics can live normal sporting lives, I have also approached all of the leading Diabetic medical manufacturers for sponsorship for this venture. I'm sad to announce that I have been declined by them all.
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Leg 7 of the current 11-12 race has begun - the yachts have left San Francisco and are on their way to Panama, and will sail onward from there to New York. You can track this progress by clicking on the link below:
 
13-14 CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF
I plan to take part in the Clipper Ventures Round the World Yacht Race during 2013 and 2014. "Eleven months, 40 000 miles of ocean racing and around 400 people facing the challenge of a lifetime ... full circumnavigation of the globe, 8 legs, 15 races and 6 continents."  I already have 684 nautical miles experience with further training planned for 2012.
experience with further training planned for 2012.
... people facing the challenge of a lifetime, and this is an extra challenge for a Diabetic who want to show that Diabetics are as competitive, and capable, as persons without Diabetes ...                       full circumnavigation of the globe!
2012.
I will be taking unpaid leave for this period of one year, to help heighten the awareness of Diabetes around the world. I am willing to partner with Diabetes medicine manufacturers, Diabetic organisations and companies who want to show their willingness to recognise and help fight this disease on a Global Scale. I will do presentations and brand exposure on behalf of the sponsors willing to help raise awareness, at all ports of call (click on the Sponsorship Opportunities link for more information).
 on land).
This website has three purposes:
1) To raise funds - the race fee is £44 000 British Pounds Sterling! (That's around R480 000). I also need travelling assistance getting to and from England. Once the race fee has been paid, 25% of all further donations will be given to Diabetes South Africa, who are as enthusiastic about this project as I am!
2) To monitor and track the race as it goes around the world. The 11-12 race is currently underway.
3) To offer sponsor companies free public relations space to advertise their product. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, click on the Sponsorship Opportunities link.
Thank you for taking time to visit my website and hopefully donate towards my project.
Thank you for taking time to visit my website and hopefully donate towards my project. Â