Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race www.clipper-ventures.com - Übersicht Tuesday, 30th May 2006 Photo by: Ingrid Abery Uniquely Singapore win Race 8 Uniquely Singapore crossed the shortened finish line for Race 8 at 1353 GMT on Tuesday in a position 20 44.49 North 107 05.85 West, bagging their first win in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race despite Durban closing in on them right up to the line. After crossing the line, Skipper Richard Falk said: 'After a nail biting drift to the finish we crossed the line at 13:53:35. The last 12 hrs were intolerable as we had 37 miles to go with Durban approximately 27 miles behind us. There was always the chance of them carrying some new breeze down with them and that is exactly what happened. At the time we finished they were some 6 or 7 miles from the finish. The Singaporean crew has led for much of the 2,200 mile race, and this win marks their first podium finish. Prior to Race 8 they were lying 8th place overall. Shortly after the start an early but conservative move out to the west of the index bulk of the fleet provided better winds and ensured a commanding position that they indextained for the reindexder of the two-week race. Richard added: 'Needless to say despite awaiting official ratification by the race office the whole crew is absolutely ecstatic. Everyone worked hard on this leg and the crew is thoroughly deserving of the win.' Durban finished in 2nd place at 1600 GMT after closing the gap on Uniquely Singapore to just half a dozen miles from 36 miles at this morning's radio sched twelve hours previously. At the 0400 GMT position report, Durban was lying in second place 36 miles behind Uniquely Singapore, and New York was in third place 69 miles behind the leader. Race 8 from Victoria to Panama City was shortened due to the continued presence of Tropical Revolving Storm Aletta across the path of the boats, and uncertainties over its further development. After finishing, the boats will negotiate TRS Aletta and proceed to Panama City where they are expected to arrive around 10th June. Copyright © 1996-2016 - SEGEL.DE