Clipper Yacht Race fleet fight to be fastest into Qingdao
by Clipper Ventures on 9 Mar 2014
Race 9.1: Day 7 - Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2013-14 Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race
In the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2013-14, with the wind dropping and conditions easing, the yachts in the middle of the fleet have increased their sail plans as they race to be the fastest boat into Qingdao.
The wind eased right off over the last 24 hours with the three yachts at the front of the fleet, Great Britain, Mission Performance, and Derry~Londonderry~Doire drifting for a time.
Great Britain is the first yacht to cross the finish line today in Race 9.1, crossing the finish line 30 nautical miles offshore at 15:18 local time (07:18 UTC), with a provisional elapsed time of 7 days 00 hours 35 minutes 41 seconds.
Matt Mitchell, skipper of Mission Performance, said: 'The light at the end of the tunnel is well and truly in sight and getting bigger every minute. We have just 65 miles left to go and we are more or less pointing right at the finish line.
'With the wind set to die in a few hours it's a race against the weather forecast to make it before the wind drops completely. We can just about do it!
'It's been a tough race beating into gale force conditions and big seas, the guys have worked exceptionally hard and we have kept our finger on the pulse all race.
'During our lunchtime session we reflected on the race and highlighted where we went wrong or what slowed us down and there were just four instances which held us up. The team and I are proud of our achievements this race as even getting through the conditions that we have faced with the crew and the boat in one piece is testament to every body's effort.'
Vicky Ellis, skipper of Switzerland, said: 'The waterfall has disappeared, the helm is wearing sunglasses not ski goggles, the mothers aren't swearing and the bowman looks happy rather than scared witless!
'After a conservative start and mid phase to this race, in which we aimed to preserve our crew and boat as best we could in these infamous boat and crew breaking weather conditions, we are pleased to be back making good racy speeds.
'The Yellow Sea will be tough with its fishing fleets out to get us as we try to plough on through with our downwind rigs up.'
Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Mission Performance are hot on Great Britain’s heels and are also expected into Qingdao Monday morning local time.
Event website:
Click here
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/119964