BP boss Tony Hayward has been criticised for taking a sailing trip during the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Spokeswoman Sheila Williams says Hayward took time off his duties handling the oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico to see his boat “Bob” participate in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on Saturday. The boat, made 10 years ago by the Annapolis, Md.-based boatbuilder Farr Yacht Design, lists for nearly $700,000. The one-day yacht race is one of the world’s largest, attracting hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors.
BP chief executive Tony Hayward took a day off Saturday to see his 52-foot yacht “Bob” compete in a glitzy race off England’s shore, a leisure trip that further infuriated residents of the oil-stained Gulf Coast. While Hayward’s pricey ship whipped around the Isle of Wight on a good day for sailing — breezy and about 68 degrees — anger simmered on the steamy Gulf Coast, where crude has been washing in from the still-gushing spill. – from AP
If it’s any consolation to the residents of the Gulf of Mexico, BP CEO Tony Hayward didn’t win the yacht race he attended this weekend. His 52-foot yacht, named “Bob,” finished fourth in its class. – from Fox
For the JP Morgan Asset Management race was conducted in brilliant breezy sailing conditions and started amidst a spectacular red sunrise at dawn. Hayward would have surely been thinking what a gorgeous day – and not for the fact that he was safely back in the UK away from the strident, hostile anger he has attracted as the Public Face of Disaster. – from Telegraph