Ex tropical storm "Chris" makes conditions miserable for Clipper crews
Ten days into Race 13 to
Derry-Londonderry, the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race fleet is busy
studying weather files and contemplating tactics once again, in a bid to find
the fastest route to the finish line in Northern Ireland.
Clipper Race Director,
Jonathan Bailey said, “Over the weekend the Clipper Race fleet has been
navigating its way around ex-tropical storm ‘Chris’ which has given headwinds to
many of the yachts and slowing progress rather than the more traditional
downwind conditions associated with this leg of the race.
“Some of the yachts have
stayed north of the eye of the tropical storm but several have managed to get
below the eye into stronger winds from a more favourable direction. This
tactical decision to go south of the eye has opened up some interesting
scenarios as the fleet approach the Irish coast, so the next few days will be
very interesting.”
Echoing the race director’s
thoughts, Welcome to Yorkshire skipper, Rupert Dean explains, “Of all
the ocean legs to date on the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, the race
across the North Atlantic appears to be the most complex and unusual from both a
meteorological and tactical perspective. Whilst this 'game' makes great viewing
for the fans back home, from the navigator's perspective I can tell you it's a
real headache!”
The Yorkshire entry was
overtaken by Gold Coast Australia overnight and is currently in second
place, while Singapore is back in third place after sorting its tangled
halyards that caused frustration yesterday.
Frontrunner Gold Coast
Australia completed the Ocean Sprint in 13 hours 31 minutes 31 seconds,
setting the current time to beat, bettering rival Singapore’s time by
30 minutes. The team sprinting the distance the fastest will get an
additional point which can have huge influence in the overall leader board, as
the race is nearing completion.
With only four weeks to go
until Race Finish in Southampton on 22 July, preparations are in full swing. The
Ageas Bowl, the home of Hampshire Cricket is offering Clipper Race followers the
chance to win tickets to Hampshire Royals vs. Essex Eagles, Friends Life t20
game on Sunday 8 July. Click here for
more details.
With the leading the
frontrunners just over 900 miles from shore, the Clipper Race fleet is set to
start arriving into Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, between 29 June and 1
July.
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