westernaustralia.com heads Clipper leader board

by Fast Track on 29 Jul 2006 The jubilant crew of Liverpool 08 crossed the finish line for the penultimate race of Clipper 05-06 at 0457 GMT this morning putting them back within reach of a podium position overall as they prepare to start the final race to their home port later today.

Liverpool 08 sailed into Holyhead marina as the sun rose, and were closely followed by second placed westernaustralia.com, who finished at 0600 GMT. Their rivals Durban crossed the line at 0625 GMT, leaving the Aussies with an unasailable overall lead. Uniquely Singapore finished in fourth place at 0644 GMT.

These finish positions leave westernaustralia.com with 89.5 points overall going into Race 13, with a maximum of 5 more points available.

Durban has 83.0 points and New York who are lying in third overall prior to Race 12 New York can gain a maximum of 6 points in this penultimate race, making a total of 76.5 points maximum going into Race 13 equal to Liverpool 08 following their victory this morning.

Durban announced today its continued sponsorship of the next Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 07-08, just prior to the finish of the 05-06 Race. After an extremely successful stopover in the South African coastal city last November, the city has been quick off the mark to retain a Durban yacht entry into the race, including a stopover on this seven leg circumnavigation.

The Clipper 05-06 Race, which started on 18 September 2005 from Liverpool, has contributed to the regeneration of the Durban Marina in the Heart of the city of Durban, and is part of a R100 million upgrade of the whole Yacht basin Precinct. The stopover alone generated an economic impact value of 15 million rand and 91 percent of crew members stated that they would return to the city of Durban. The race has also seen the first black South African female to compete in an around the world yacht race, news which has spread around the world.

Mayor of Durban, Cllr Obed Mlaba said 'The positive economic impact runs into tens of millions of Rand, as the Clipper Race not only attracts visitors whilst it is in port but also provides an opportunity to promote Durban throughout the whole ten-month race.'

Durban City Manager, Dr. Michael Sutcliffe said 'Durban is Southern Africa’s lifestyle, tourism and convention destination with millions of people visiting the city in summer alone. With both the regeneration of the existing Yacht Basin and the development of a new Small Craft Harbour at the Point Precinct, the city is well placed to become a major yachting centre. This is all part of our '2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond' strategy confirming the city as the ideal Southern African leisure and tourism destination. Continued involvement with the Clipper race is all part of that longer-term strategy'

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures, said 'Durban proved to be an extremely exciting and enjoyable stopover in the 05-06 race. The South African city offered great support to the race and Clipper Ventures looks forward to renewing their relationship with the city and its people.'

The performance of the Durban yacht has also added to the popularity of the race, on leaving their home city for Western Australia, the yacht crossed the Southern Ocean, experiencing 70 ft waves and arrived in Fremantle in first place. Three firsts, two seconds and three third place finishes have meant that Durban has guaranteed herself second place overall with one race remaining. The fleet are now waiting in Holyhead for their final race to Liverpool for the finish on Saturday 29th July.

Results:

westernaustralia.com - 80.5
Durban - 75.0
New York - 71.5
Liverpool 08 - 66.5
Victoria - 60.5
Uniquely Singapore - 59.0
Qingdao - 51.0
Cardiff - 48.0
Jersey - 22.0
Glasgow - 18.5