YACHTSMAN Alan Paris has been appointed the new director of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute - but he will attempt to circumnavigate the globe before he starts his new job.

The BUEI Board of Trustees chairman Michael Collier announced yesterday that Mr. Paris was expected to take up the position in the spring of next year after his participation in the Around Alone Race.

The 28,000-mile race starts next Thursday from New York harbour and the BUEI will serve as Mr. Paris' race headquarters, from where his progress and daily activities will be monitored by 16 local schools.

"The fact that he is gaining this experience in the race is incredible - it goes to show that he has a very organised mind," said Mr. Collier.

He added that Mr. Paris' background in the hospitality industry - he was formerly the general manager of Ariel Sands and also worked at Horizons and the Reefs - would be a great asset in his new job. And the chairman said the new director would be coming in at a time of development and expansion for the institute.

"We have plans to upgrade our third phase and we should have new exhibits in place by the time he returns," said Mr. Collier. "We have some training issues and we are expanding our explorer camps with new facilities."

Mr. Paris has already visited the schools whose pupils will be able to track his progress on the Internet and Mr. Collier felt this would help him connect with youngsters in his new post.

"Alan presents himself very well and speaks exceptionally well and we anticipate him doing quite a lot of public speaking, particularly to children," he said.

"Alan's experience of the world will also be useful. When youngsters ask him questions like, 'What's Cape Town like?' he will be able to answer from experience."

Mr. Paris will take over the role vacated earlier this year by Ralph Richardson, who left the BUEI for the ACE Foundation after a successful two-year tenure.

Since Mr. Richardson's departure, honorary trustee Wendy Tucker has been acting director, a job she will continue to do until Mr. Paris' return.