Film stars Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones were in Bermuda yesterday to help give moral support for solo sailor Alan Paris in his bid to sail around the world.

Mr. Paris was the GM of Devonshire cottage colony Ariel Sands, partly owned by Mr. Douglas, before leaving the job to prepare for his adventure.

It is the first time a Bermudian has tried the epic single-handed 30,000 mile journey via the southern capes. A special syllabus has been designed for students in 15 primary and middle schools where they can follow progress via a website showing photos, captain's log updates, video clips and media reports.

Learn Around The World 2002 will track Mr. Paris' boat, BTC Velocity, as it sets off from Newport, Rhode Island in September until it returns in April 2003.

Mr. Paris was welcomed by dignitaries when his yacht docked in St. George's yesterday, as well as two Clearwater Middle School students who had won an essay contest on what Mr. Paris's attempt would mean to Bermuda.

Andrea Francis and Marcus Weeks will win a trip on his boat around Bermuda and will be able to talk to Mr. Paris on his journey via radio at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

Their deputy principal, Derek Tully, explained how the trip would tie in with academic subjects. He said: "Navigation is maths, currents are geography, what Alan eats is family studies - students can plan menus of what they think he should be eating."

BUEI executive director Ralph Richardson said the educational programme would expose children to sailing and positive life skills.

He said: "Children will first get to know Alan and his boat. We will provide every student with access to Alan and the race. Every mile will be tracked by satellite and over the web."

Craig Ferguson, marketing manager of Logic Communications who is running the website, said: "Even though Alan is sailing 'Around Alone' we'll be able to be with him every step of the way."

On the Net:

www.aroundalone2002.com