Clipper race from Jamaica to New York underway

by Clipper Event media on 25 May 2008
The Clipper fleet started the 1,420 mile Race 11 to New York after a short stopover in Jamaica. The start line was at Folly Point Lighthouse, with the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard cutter, HMJS Cornwall, acting as committee boat for the Race Team. Nova Scotia led the fleet across the start line, several boat lengths ahead of the following group of Durban 2010 and Beyond, Liverpool 08, New York and Hull & Humber. All ten yachts crossed the start line within two minutes.

In a light easterly breeze the yachts put in four tacks before rounding the first mark, one mile along the coast from the start line. Nova Scotia turned first, sneaking inside the South African entry.

Liverpool 08 was third to round the mark followed a minute later by Hull & Humber, Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper and Qingdao who had moved up from the back of the field, having crossed the start line in eighth and ninth places respectively.

The 1420-mile race to New York, the latest stage of the 35,000-mile circumnavigation, will take them past the island of Cuba and up the east coast of North America, following the Gulf Stream current.

The fleet is due to arrive in New York on 1 June.

Clipper - Positions - DTF - DTL - at 12:00 hrs Sunday 25 May 2008

1 Qingdao 1251 0
2 Jamaica 1252 1
3 Uniquely Singapore 1252 1
4 Nova Scotia 1253 2
5 Glasgow:Scotland with style 1254 3
6 New York 1255 4
7 Durban 2010 and Beyond 1256 5
8 Liverpool 08 1257 6
9 westernaustralia2011.com 1283 32
10 Hull & Humber 1285 34

With 72 points, Hull & Humber currently leads the overall standings in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race, three and a half points ahead of New York, with Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper in third place on 63 points. Nova Scotia is currently eighth overall.

Four races remain in the 14-race series, which will finish on 5 July in Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008.

Event website - www.clipperroundtheworld.com.