Betreff: Clipper 2002 Race Report
Absender: "Clipper _blanks" 
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Datum: 12. May 2003 12:36

Clipper 2002 Race Report
12 May 2003

NEPTUNE’S BIG CATCH

The Clipper 2002 race fleet is now between the Islands of Sumatra and Bangka
Island, with reports of Equator antics coming in thick and fast. The eight
yachts have made good time in their attempt to get South through the oil
fields to Selat Sunda, to the West of which they will start Race 11 of the
eleven-month series to Mauritius.

Crossing the Equator for any sailor is a special moment; a line that marks
another goal achieved. For many of the Clipper crews this is not the first
time that they have crossed over the Equator, although this doesn't mean
that it's any less important than before.

Sailors are a superstitious bunch and every time they cross the Equator, it
is equally as important to hold a little ceremony and thank Neptune for
looking after them as they continue on their journey around the world.

There are also _blank leggers on board each Clipper who have yet to cross the
Equator, so it is a great excuse to put them in the hotspot of Neptune's
court, accuse them of their crimes against the sea, and pour interesting
mixes of gunk over them!

This Equator crossing has been an unusual one because instead of racing, the
boats were motoring together to get South to the start of Race 11. The
crews' more theatrical and artistic talents therefore came into play and any
passing fishermen faced the bizarre sight of the 60-foot racing yachts with
their crews all in fancy dress, wielding buckets of slops!

_blanks Flash of the day came from Jersey Clipper however, who reported a
rather "Big Catch!" Round the Worlder, Frank Everaert, is the keen fisherman
on board and has been trying his luck over the last leg to reclaim the
‘biggest fish’ prize from Cape Town Clipper. As the fleet celebrated
crossing over the Equator, Frank got rather more than he bargained for...

Many of the crew members decided to swim over the Equator, not something one
has the chance to do very often! As they did so, Frank was trying out his
_blank fishing tackle he had bought in Singapore.  Seemingly it is very
effective as he certainly caught the biggest fish that day, namely Andrew
Hancock - a fellow ‘Round the Worlder’ from Liverpool Clipper. Thankfully
the Fleet Doctor, Richard Beringer, was on hand to release the catch and all
is well.

Better luck next time Frank!

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