Betreff: CLIPPER 2002 -- OVERALL RACE FINISH
Absender: "Clipper News" 
Empfänger: 
Datum: 27. Sep 2003 15:05


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CLIPPER 2002 RACE WINNER ANNOUNCED

IT’S JERSEY ON THE MERSEY

Liverpool, UK, 27 September 2003: The thrilling Clipper 2002 Round the World
Yacht has finished today in Liverpool’s mighty River Mersey, with skipper
Simon Rowell and his Jersey Clipper crew clinching the overall honours.

In stark contrast to the gale stricken race start eleven months ago, the
final sprint of the 16-race series from Holyhead to Liverpool was shortened
due to a total lack of wind. Rounding the Bar Light Ship, 16 miles from
Liverpool’s Albert Dock, the eight racing yachts finished in the following
order: Hong Kong, Jersey, Glasgow, Bristol, Cape Town, London, New York and
Liverpool.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, race organiser, said: “This has been the closest
ever finish to a round the world yacht race. All the crews have given it
their all, but Jersey had that little bit more when it mattered most.
Jersey Clipper took it by 2 points, which amazingly after 11 months of
racing boiled down to just a couple of minutes.”

Winning skipper, Simon Rowell (37), said, “I can’t believe it’s over.  This
crew have fought tooth and nail, 24 hours a day for every mile of advantage.
I am just the conductor; they play the music.”

Reflecting on the achievement of both skipper and crew, Pierre Horsfall,
Chairman of the Jersey Clipper Committee, said: “This is a monumental day
for Jersey and our greatest sporting triumph, being in this race, is a
brilliant vehicle for promoting Jersey around the world.  I hope the
combined willpower of the Island’s 85,000 population gave the crew that
little bit extra.  They have certainly made us unbelievably proud and have
added a contemporary triumph to our rich maritime history.”

After crossing the finish line off Albert Dock, the Clipper yachts performed
a spectacular formation sail past led by HMS EDINBURGH for a "lap of honour"
along the Liverpool waterfront, which was lined by an enthusiastic 80,000
strong crowd. The teams then passed into the inner docks to confetti and
streamers, with the cheers of friends, families and fellow sailors.

At 11:00, Liverpool Clipper entered Canning Dock, followed at 2-minute
intervals by the rest of the Clipper fleet until all were safely enclosed by
the lock gates. Half an hour later when the water levels in this intricate
lock network equalised, they were able to move into the award-winning Albert
Dock and tie up safely alongside - thus closing the circle that started last
October when they set off on the fourth Clipper circumnavigation.

But it is not over yet. A podium prize giving at 14:00, on Albert Dock's
Floating Stage, will be followed this evening by a glittering crew party for
1,000 people at St. Georges Hall in Liverpool.

Councillor Warren Bradley, Liverpool’s Executive Member for Leisure and
Culture, said: “This has been an amazing day for Liverpool and these brave
crews - perfect weather, a thrilling race and fantastic crowds, which must
number more than 80,000, at one of the world’s most stunning waterfronts.

“The Clipper race has enabled us to showcase Liverpool to a global audience
and provided many people with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience
ocean racing.

“On behalf of Liverpool City Council I thank the hundreds of people in
Liverpool who have put together the hosting of this event with pride, skill
and style.  Today we really have ‘the World in One City.’”

ENDS
27 September 2003

CLIPPER 2002 RACE OVERALL ORDER:

Pos    Yacht        Skipper            Points
1     Jersey         Simon Rowell         97.5
2     Bristol         Richard Butler        95.5
3     Liverpool     Adam Kyffin         74
4     Hong Kong     Justin Taylor        71
5    Glasgow     Rupert Parkhouse    65
6     London         Rory Gillard         57.5
7    New York     Ross Daniel         55
8    Cape Town     Roger Steven-Jennings    30

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Loretta Spridgeon
Clipper 2002 Press Officer
Race Press Office: 0151 707 9124
Tel Clipper HQ: +44 23 8023 7088
Fax Clipper HQ: +44 23 8023 7081
Mobile: +44 7773 818586
Email:  lspridgeon@clipper-ventures.com
Website: www.clipper-ventures.com