Clipper Round the World Race - Ninth victory for Gold Coast Australia

by Isabel Hokken on 28 May 2012 Clipper 2011-12 Round the World Yacht Race fleet are on the thirteenth day of race eleven from Panama to New York. Gold Coast Australia, the Australian entry, has secured it’s ninth win out of eleven races into New York this morning (GMT).

'I am elated with winning this race as at different stages in the race it could have been won by any of the yachts in the fleet.The fleet was so close this race and the pressure was on the entire duration of the race.

'This is our ninth victory and yellow pendent in the series of races and every win feels so incredibly special. We are working hard and realising our objectives, our goals and our dreams together and the team has really bonded well. I am very impressed with the performance of the boat and crew and the slickness of each sail change evolution throughout the race,' says Tasmanian skipper, Richard Hewson.

Visit Finland finished in second place crossing the finish line at 0736 GMT (0336 local time) while Dutch entry, De LageLanden, claimed third place crossing the line at 0849 GMT (0449 local time) in the 2,100 race from Panama to New York.

The Dutch entry skipper, Stuart Jackson says, 'What a final 24 hours. It has been quite a battle between second to fifth place with only miles separating the fleet. After a good start and lying in a good position for the start of the race our position slid to seventh and it was looking dubious if we were going to make up the miles.

'Fortunately, the weather worked in our favour and we managed to secure third place, so myself and the crew are delighted, especially as we have a Manhattan resident as one of our round the world crew members! Adding our two gate points we are delighted with our overall result.'

Besides the podium positions, Geraldton Western Australia managed to take fourth place crossing the finish line at 1004 GMT (0604 local time) ahead of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital who crossed the finish line only 70 minutes later at 1114 GMT (0704 local time). Whilst having slipped from third place to fifth yesterday, it’s the best position for the Scottish entry so far.

The rest of the fleet is expected to finish today local time. The teams will arrive in Liberty Landing Marina in New Jersey approximately six to seven hours after crossing the finish line.The whole Clipper Race fleet then sails in a formal parade across to North Cove Marina in Manhattan’s financial district for a busy programme of activity with Clipper Race sponsors.

Latest boat positions (1200 UTC)
Position Team - DTF / DTL
1 Gold Coast Australia - Finished / 0526 GMT 27/5/12
2 Visit Finland - Finished / 0736 GMT 27/5/12
3 De Lage Landen - Finished / 0849 GMT / 27/5/12
4 Geraldton Western Australia - Finished / 1004GMT 27/5/12
5 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital - Finished / 1114 GMT 27/5/12
6 Singapore - 35NM / 35NM
7 Welcome - to Yorkshire 42NM / 42NM
8 New York - 51NM / 51NM
9 Qingdao - 78NM / 78NM
10 Derry-Londonderry - 79NM / 79NM

Full positions are updated every three hours and can be found online along with daily skipper Clipper Round the World Yacht Race website