CLIPPER 2002 RACE REPORT
Where did all this land come from?
3, December 2002
With limited scope for tactical decisions as the fleet sail between the
Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos, boat speed is now all important
to indextaining positions - so comments Richard Butler, skipper of Bristol
Clipper.
This may be the case but there is obviously nothing wrong with Bristol's
boat speed as they have managed to close the gap between themselves and _blank
York Clipper by over 10 miles in the last 12 hours, in a steady 20 to 25
knots from the east south east. In fact the Bristol crew's only complaint is
that it is too hot, a gripe sure to receive little sympathy from those
avidly watching their progress back in Bristol, UK.
The whole fleet has made good progress over the last few hours, with all but
_blank York and Glasgow making over 200 miles towards the Cuban finish line. As
the wind is predicted to ease from the west, we could well see a further
concertina effect as the boats in the lead slow up, allowing those further
behind to catch up. This will be a hope for many, but none more so than Cape
Town Clipper who have sailed valiantly to catch up after their initial slow
start from Cascais.
With identical boats and equally matched crews, there is little to be gained
in terms of out and out boat speed unless a tactical decision pays off - or
the racing teams experience different weather conditions. Sometimes, as
happened at the beginning of this race, the lead boats sail into favourable
conditions and those at the back can only watch as the front runners sail to
what seems an insurmountable lead. Definitely a case of the rich getting
richer! Occasionally though the wind gods slow down those at the front,
allowing the chasing pack to catch up, which could prove immensely
beneficial for Roger Steven-Jennings and the Cape Town crew.
Hong Kong's continued dive to the southwest is an interesting development.
Whereas yesterday they guarded the northern flank with _blank York and seemed
to be potentially in a strong position to take on London and Bristol, today
they are well down in the southern group just 17 miles in front of Jersey
Clipper. What does Hong Kong skipper Justin Taylor know that we don't?
One possibility is that the skipper has made a conscious decision to cover
the boats behind, rather than risk his fourth place by tackling those
further ahead. If this is the case then Justin has made a sound move as he
now sits directly in front of Ed Green and the Jersey boat. The Jersey crew
have been trying earnestly to move up the ranks, but as consolation have at
least been witness to some amazing wildlife including a Minke whale who
broached right out of the water less than a quarter of a mile from them.
And finally ... Spinnaker prize of the day is awarded to Liverpool Clipper
who managed not only to lose the sheet from the corner of the spinnaker,
causing it to fly straight out from the boat like a flag, but then to watch
helplessly as it proceeded to lovingly wrap itself around the forestay. The
crew must have succeeded in sorting it fairly quickly though, as they have
still produced a very respectable mileage. With Rupert Parkhouse and the
Glasgow Clipper crew waiting to capitalise on this sort of hitch, a repeat
performance will not be welcome!
LATEST POSITIONS
04:00, 3 December 2002
Pos Yacht Distance to Finish
1 _blank York 705.8 (nautical miles)
2 Bristol 821.5
3 London 834.2
4 Hong Kong 854.2
5 Jersey 870.7
6 Liverpool 912
7 Glasgow 924.7
8 Cape Town 935.8
Clipper _blanks Distribution
Clipper Ventures Plc
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