Clipper Round The World Race - Doldrums weigh heavy on teams' minds

by Clipper Ventures on 20 Sep 2013 At the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, after another days close racing, the twelve strong fleet of matched ocean racers competing are turning their attentions to the dreaded Doldrums.

Although the past 24 hours have seen no change at the top of the leader board, Henri Lloyd skipper Eric Holden knows all too well that the race is still anyone’s for the taking, with the Doldrums weighing heavy on the teams’ minds.

'This will be an extremely challenging time of the race and there is every chance that there could be a big reversal in the fortunes of the fleet. We have got down the North Atlantic a little too quick as the Doldrums are in a very active stage at the moment and are predicted to moderate later in the week. This could give the trailing boats an easier crossing and possibly sail around or through the front runners. Or maybe not!'

Great Britain has been celebrating after finally rehoisting their medium weight kite following fifty hours of repair, moving them up into fourth place. In the last 24 hours, Great Britain have also activated Stealth Mode. Their position will be hidden from the other yachts and the public during the 1200, 1800 and 0000 schedules. It will next be broadcast tomorrow at 0600 UTC.

In other news, it was a night of celebration on board Qingdao as the crew enjoyed the tradition of the Chinese Lunar Festival, or the Mid-Autumn Festival as it is more widely known. Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year, the Chinese celebrate the occasion with loved ones and eat a traditional moon cake.

Meanwhile, Invest Africa are playing their cards close to their chest as the dreaded Doldrums see the fleet refocus and enjoy the light relief of a shower on deck with the squalls bringing some much needed respite from the ever increasing temperatures.