16.07.2005
BG SPIRIT takes first place
Barclays Adventurer crosses in second position
Andy Forbes skipper of winning yacht BG SPIRIT in Gunwharf Quays
Update 12.31GMT:
In Gunwharf Quays, there are hordes of people lining the dockside, including a sea of orange BG SPIRIT supporters, including a lady dressed as a carrot. Andy Forbes was initially reunited with his wife, and Sir Chay Blyth was first in with the champagne. There was the traditional photo session with the crew, but of course, this time, they could also lift the Princess Royal Trophy for extra pictures! Andy and his crew are ecstatic.
The workmen in their yellow jackets working on the spinnaker tower have taken a few minutes off to lean on the balcony and watch the proceedings from above.
Update: 12.20GMT:
With 7 miles to go, Imagine It. Done. has fallen behind the rest of the pack.
Update 12.14GMT:
Meanwhile, further back in the fleet there is a ding dong battle taking place, with 5 yachts within 1 mile of each other. With 9 miles to go, Pindar, Samsung, Team Stelmar, Imagine It. Done. and Me to You are moving at a decent 7 knots average towards the finish line.
Update 12.08GMT:
BG SPIRIT just approaching the dock to the sounds of their team song - Elvis vs JXL and A Little Less Conversation. The crowds are cheering and clapping, their families are waving from the pontoons and the press and media are awaiting them with cameras and microphones.
Update 11.53GMT:
HMS Shoreham have just reported that SAIC La Jolla has crossed the finish line. They are about to escort the three yachts towards Gunwharf Quays.
Official finish time: 11.53.16GMT, 34 minutes and 35 seconds behind third place VAIO.
Update 11.30GMT:
On the overall leaderboard, BG SPIRIT has secured first place, with a total score of 90 points. With an excellent second position, Barclays Adventurer have got 76 points, provisionally leapfrogging them into second overall, however, this is tentative as they have an Intention to Protest against them at the moment, which means they have a slightly nervous wait to see if the protest is submitted.
Update 11.22 GMT:
VAIO has now finished at 11.19.13GMT.
Barclays Adventurer was 4 minutes and 8 seconds behind BG SPIRIT. VAIO was 26 minutes and 5 seconds after BG SPIRIT, 18 minutes and 57 seconds behind Barclays Adventurer.
Update 11.19GMT:
After the news over the tannoy of the finishes, Gunwharf Quays is currently rocking to the beat of the Carnival Samba band. The colourful and vibrant parade is full of chldren looking sweet in their costumes, which each represent the ports of call of the Global Challenge.
Update 11.01GMT:
BG SPIRIT have finished: official finish time 10.54.08GMT
Barclays Adventurer have also finished: official time 10.58.16GMT
BG SPIRIT had to tack just before crossing the line, a slightly painful finish hemmed in and surrounded by supporter boats. However, they held of Barclays Adventurer well, and with this win, have also secured first place overall.
Update 10.50GMT:
BG SPIRIT have just tacked and are heading towards the line, just minutes away.
Barclays Adventurer have just dropped their spinnaker to round the last mark. HMS Shoreham can now see VAIO's spinnaker, and in the distance, what is probably SAIC La Jolla.
We hope to have some news from further back in the fleet shortly.
Update: 10.38GMT:
BG SPIRIT have just dropped their lightweight spinnaker to round the buoy, and have put up their headsails.
Barclays Adventurer are still flying their blue 1.5 promo spinnaker and are having trouble keeping it filled. BG SPIRIT peeled from their orange to their white lightweight earlier.
HMS Shoreham has lost sight of third place VAIO in the mass of sails out in the Solent.
Update 10.34GMT:
BG SPIRIT has just gybed towards the last mark (Horse Sand Buoy). Barclays Adventurer are about 3/4 of a mile behind now. The wind has moved more to the west, and they are now downwind again.
They are moving at 4-5 knots.
Update 10:21GMT:
BG SPIRIT and Barclays Adventurer are level with the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, and then they need to turn north at Horse Sand Buoy before crossing the line.
Barclays Adventurer is gaining, but is probably too late to catch BG SPIRIT.
The yachts are surrounded by supporter boats and HMS Shoreham is escorting them.
16 Jul 2005 10:21 GMT
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