Visit Seattle wins race 13, the Den Helder Northern Seas Challenge
by Clipper Round the World on 22 Jul 2016
Visit Seattle wins race 13, the Den Helder Northern Seas Challenge Peter van Aalst
The Visit Seattle team has crossed the Race 13 finish line, achieving its first overall race win and second podium of the series.
The team crossed the finish line off Den Helder, The Netherlands, at 0016UTC/0216 local time following the race from Derry-Londonderry. Northern Ireland.
Following regular major shakeups of the leaderboard since the race began due to strong tidal gates around Scotland and patchy, shifty wind, Visit Seattle had managed to hold onto the lead for the last two days.
Upon finishing the penultimate race of the series, Visit Seattle Skipper Huw Fernie said: 'We've had a little bit of everything out here during this sprint of a race and we've seen many moods from the North Sea. We focused on efficiency and made good use of our Yankee 1. As we approached the Pentland Firth I really didn't think we would make it back to the front runners.
'Having gained the lead this light winds run to the finish has been a nail biting experience for both us on the boat and I'm sure our supporters at home too. As always, it's been fun,' Huw added.
More reaction from the Skipper and crew to follow once the team has berthed at Willemsoord Marina in Den Helder.
Celebrating its first podium, PSP Logistics has crossed the Race 13 finish line in second place at 0117 UTC/0217 local time.
Skipper Max Stunnell said: 'This was a fantastic effort by all my team to achieve - best result we have had so far. It's been a long time coming but we never gave up and I'm so proud of them all. Bring on the next race.'
And Da Nang - Viet Nam has clinched the third podium spot, crossing the finish line at 0217 UTC.
Skipper Wendy Tuck said: 'What a race - it had a bit of everything. This short racing sure keeps you on your toes. I'm really happy with our result and the crew worked hard to get us here and finish up in third position. Well done to Visit Seattle on their win and extra well done to PSP Logistics on their first podium, we are really happy for you guys.'
Derry~Londonderry~Doire finished Race 13 at 0241UTC, finishing in fourth place ahead of rival and overall leader LMAX Exchange.
LMAX Exchange crossed the finish line in fifth at 0419UTC.
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