Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Gusts expected to batter fleet

by Clipper Ventures on 7 Dec 2013 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2013-14 is on day 4 of Race 5. With gusts up to 60 knots expected to batter the fleet within the next 24 to 48 hours, the skippers have been busy preparing their teams - ready for action as the race 5 to Sydney continues.

Meteorologist and winning skipper of the Clipper Race in 2000, Simon Rowell, has been briefing the skippers on what they can expect from the impending low pressure system.

'The western yachts will probably be seeing the front around now so it should get to all of you over the next 18 to 24 hours.This is good news, as it won't be at its peak intensity until it's passed over you.The 60 knot gusts are still forecast, and I reckon it'll go more than that, but I hope that these will occur after it's gone through. However, the further east you are the stronger it will be when it reaches you.'

With just three miles currently separating the leaders of the pack, OneDLL, Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Henri Lloyd respectively, the next 24 to 48 hours could prove crucial to the positions within Race 5.

It was a tough 24 hours for Scottish entry Old Pulteney which relinquished fourth place to the resolute determination of the Chinese entry, Qingdao.

Late starters in the Race 5 GREAT Britain and PSP Logistics remain upbeat and continue to make steady progress. With an impending high pressure expected to hit the front of the fleet in the coming days, skipper of GREAT Britain, Simon Talbot is hoping to take full advantage.

'The interesting part may well be once we have rounded Tasmania, as currently there is forecast to be a rather slow moving high pressure system hanging around there which could hinder either the front runners or ourselves. We are obviously hoping for the former as it may give us the opportunity to catch up with them and at least not be too far behind by the time we get to Sydney, so here is hoping!'

POSITION / TEAM		DTL
1	One DLL	0NM
2	Henri Lloyd	5NM
3	Derry~Londonderry~Doire	3NM
4	Qingdao	29NM
5	Old Pulteney	35NM
6	Switzerland	43NM
7	Jamaica Get All Right	76NM
8	Mission Performance	69NM
9	Invest Africa	135NM
10	Team Garmin	155NM
11	GREAT Britain	330NM
12	PSP Logistics	405NM

 

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