Fastest-yet boat speeds in Clipper Round the World

by Fast Track on 5 Dec 2005 The weekend saw the fastest-yet boat speeds recorded in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as first Glasgow reported 27.3kts only to be trumped by Jersey who posted 29.1knots shortly after. These speeds are attributed to the strong trade winds at around 40 degrees South and the sea conditions that provide giant waves for the boats to surf down.

Durban maintains top spot: Durban Clipper is hanging on to the top spot this morning despite a relatively slow 24 hour run that saw a storming Victoria gain ground to only 26 miles behind. Qingdao and westernaustralia. com continue their match race and remain jostling for third position about 7 miles further back. Glasgow has dropped back considerably and we wait to hear if this is due to unlucky positional decisions or anything more serious.

Jon and Peter on Jersey (holders of the fastest 05-06 Clipper speed so far) have the following to say on the imperious sailing down South: 'It's another record day today aboard JC with all the likely lads queuing up to take the helm, trying for the boat record. At this time of writing Skip holds the record top speed of 29.1 knots although how long it will stand is anybodies guess. If we were to keep this pace up we would be in to Freo before the Christmas decorations are up!'

At these speeds it should make for a fast and short leg: already the lead boats have only 2,500 miles or so to go. However there is the added complication that in these conditions wear and tear and breakages in general are commonplace as the Ocean proves to be a vicious environment. Each of the teams is primed and on the look out for anything that could dent the tremendous pace currently being set.

Leader Board: Team - DTF - DTL
1. Durban - 2543 0
2. Victoria - 2569 26
3. Qingdao - 2576 33
4. westernaustralia.com - 2577 34
5. Liverpool 08 - 2592 49
6. Cardiff - 2604 61
7. Uniquely Singapore - 2607 64
8. Jersey - 2608 65
9. New York - 2611 68
10. Glasgow - 2645 102

Event website: http://www.clipper-ventures.co.uk