Betreff: Clipper 2002 Race Report
Absender: "Clipper _blanks" 
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Datum: 12. Jan 2003 14:38

Clipper 2002 Race Report
12 January 2003

FROM BOATS TO BOAT SHOWS

Yesterday's initial north south split has now somewhat reversed with _blank
York Clipper now commanding the northern flank. The wind is blowing a force
4 from the south east, ideal spinnaker weather and a gentle way for the
crews to get back into the racing after their pitstop in the Galapagos.

_blank York’s move has paid instant dividends as they have moved up three
places to 5th, yet theirs has been the lowest days run. How can this be?
Down wind sailing is at its most efficient with the wind at about 45 degrees
from the stern of the boat rather than from directly behind. With the wind
from the south east, _blank York’s course has given them a less favourable wind
angle so they will have averaged slightly slower speeds than the rest of the
fleet. Their course however has been closer to the direct line to Hawaii so
in that sense has been more efficient.

Jersey Clipper on the other hand has indextained a straight course to the
west and have managed the highest days run, but not necessarily in the right
direction.

A team can save a lot in distance by taking the most direct route as ably
demonstrated by _blank York Clipper during their race across the Atlantic. But
if they drift too far north they run the risk of getting caught in the
doldrums whilst the boats to the south continue to experience steady winds.
However as has been discussed before, they will all have to cross through to
the north east trades at some point, so this could be a conscious strategic
move by Sam Fuller and her crew to get it over with quickly. Only time will
tell!

In contrast Bristol Clipper are intent on continuing to the west and
crossing the doldrums later as skipper Richard Butler believes that the ITCZ
belt will narrower further on. As an IT specialist in a former life, Richard
is one of the more "technical" skippers in the fleet. The race rules
stipulate that the boats are not allowed to receive external weather advice,
having to rely instead on the information freely available from radio
reports and weatherfax. Running a successful campaign depends on many
things, but the ability to find useful Meteorological information is high on
the list. If anyone can do well on this front, Bristol can.

Meanwhile Cape town and Liverpool guard the southern flank. Although not
showing an immediate reduction in distance to the finish, both boats have
had good runs and could well benefit from slightly stronger winds. Having so
far failed to show their full potential, both boats will be wanting a better
result into Hawaii. With just under 4,000 miles to go, the 12.75 miles
separating first from last is almost irrelevant.

Back in the UK the cold snap continues with temperatures well below
freezing, but in a small corner of London it is positively Mediterranean.
Today is the last day of the London boat show with its bright lights, shiny
boats and images of endless summer. It has been lovely to see so many
familiar faces as crews from all 4 Clipper races have dropped by the stand -
conveniently situated on the way to the Guinness stand.

This is the last year that the show will be held at Earls Court as next year
sees it move to the purpose built facility at ExCeL in London’s docklands.
Clipper have already had an advance preview of the exhibition centre there
as the location for the 2002 crew allocation last July, so although there is
a certain nostalgic sadness at leaving Earls Court, the venue for 49 years,
there is also an optimistic excitement for the future…

LATEST POSITIONS
04:00, 11 January 2003

Pos    Yacht       Distance to Finish
1    Jersey       3904.21 (nautical miles)
2    London      3907.55
3    Bristol       3907.86
4    Glasgow    3909.88
5    _blank York    3912.51
6    Liverpool    3912.67
7    Hong Kong    3914.25
8    Cape Town    3916.96

Clipper _blanks Distribution
Clipper Ventures Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 237088
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Email: distribution@clipper-ventures.com
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