THE event described as the world's toughest yacht race could be deserting the shores of Southampton for rival city Portsmouth.

Business Challenge's Global Challenge, which has traditionally started and finished at Southampton's Ocean Village since the event began in 1992, is looking at finding a new venue to launch the 2004/5 race.

The news is a second blow to the city after the Volvo Ocean Race, which has started and finished in either Southampton or Gosport since 1773, announced its associations with Southampton could also be drawing to a close.

Organisers of the event last year failed to confirm either location as a start or stopover port, when they revealed plans for the next race in September 2005.

Business Challenge is working closely with Southampton and Portsmouth city councils and will make a decision on which city will launch the race in September.

Ports across the world, including Boston, Buenos Aires, Wellington, Sydney, Cape Town and La Rochelle, are also currently being assessed as potential stopover host ports.

Rachel Anning, PR manager for the company, said they wanted to ensure the best location for the event, but added that, so far, neither city was being favoured over the other.

Business Challenge managing director Simon Walker said: "Southampton has been a great port for the start and finish of previous global challenges.

"Portsmouth is doing some exciting things and we've been asked to look at all of the options by our sponsors.

"The main priority for us is to ensure that the port we choose to launch the event from, and the ports along the way, meet our criteria and needs."