Betreff: Clipper 2002 Race _blanks
Absender: "Clipper _blanks" 
Empfänger: 
Datum: 07. May 2003 16:38

Clipper 2002 Leg 4 Race Report
7 May 2003

CLIPPER FLEET TO EMBARK ON RACE ELEVEN TO TROPICAL HEAVEN

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s fleet of eight identical racing yachts are gearing
up for the eleventh race of the Clipper 2002 Round the World Series from
Batam to Mauritius.

After an immensely successful stopover in the Indonesian paradise of Palau
Batam, the international fleet will set sail this weekend, to start their
journey southwards on the 500-mile passage to Selat Suda before the next
stage of Clipper 2002 gets underway.

The yachts' departure from Batam was scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday 8 May
2003, although a later start this weekend will allow repairs to be made to
Hong Kong Clipper's generator, which has suffered mechanical failure.

The route from Batam takes the fleet over extensive areas of shoal water
with a high concentration of fishing nets, traps and structures so extra
vigilance will be required amongst the Clipper skippers and crews.

Race 11 of the eleven-month circumnavigation will then start to the west of
Selat Suda at 00:00 GMT (07:00 Indonesian time) on Monday, 12 May.
Following the 3,000 mile crossing of the Indian Ocean, the fleet is expected
to arrive in the independent island republic of Mauritius, east of
Madagascar, on Thursday, 28 May 2003.

Race 10 from Hong Kong to Batam saw Richard Butler and his crew on Bristol
Clipper narrow the gap on the overall race leaders aboard Jersey Clipper,
skippered by Simon Rowell, who now hold a six-point margin.  Just three
points then separate Hong Kong Clipper in third place, Liverpool in fourth
and Glasgow in fifth, with this chasing pack eager to catch the two
frontrunners.

Skippers Rory Gillard and Ross Daniel have now settled into London and _blank
York Clippers respectively and will be looking to impress on this next race;
whilst Cape Town Clipper led by Roger Steven-Jennings are probably the most
keen of all the yachts to secure an elusive podium finish.

With many crew families and supporters planning to visit Mauritius for the
conclusion of the race’s fourth leg, a rapturous welcome is guaranteed for
the fleet’s next stopover.  The yachts will berth in Port Louis, the country
’s largest port and a commercial hub of Mauritius.

The crews will enjoy an idyllic ten-day stopover in the 10 million year old
volcanic island of Mauritius, sure to fulfil every visitor's dream of a
tropical island, from swaying palms to balmy nights and the dazzling blue of
the ocean.

Clipper _blanks Distribution
Clipper Ventures Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 237088
Fax: +44 (0) 2380 237081
Email: distribution@clipper-ventures.com
Website: www.clipper-ventures.com


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