Konichiwa Japan says Clipper Fleet

by Fast Track on 13 Apr 2006 Overnight saw the fleet round the south-western point of Japan and enter the Osumi Kaikyo passage, ending the first stage of this lengthy leg across the Pacific, as well as providing a well needed psychological boost for the crew after the tough weather systems they have experienced since leaving China.

As the boats rounded this headland, they managed to pick up the favourable Kuroshio current (also known as the Black Snake – an allusion to the deep blue colour of the water) which runs eastwards along the southern coast of Japan. This current comes up from the warm equatorial regions and follows the continental shelf marking the Nankai trough, where it then merges with the easterly drift of the North Pacific current. It is the equivalent to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean, transporting warm, tropical water northward toward the polar region.

Victoria is storming on home!

Good winds yesterday saw excellent 12hr distance run by the fleet, all around 120 miles. Whilst Cardiff continues a good lead over the fleet, Durban has notched up to second place and Victoria has pulled ahead to claim third position. Uniquely Singapore, Liverpool 08, Qingdao and New York have gone closer inland and further north and only one mile currently separate Jersey and Glasgow, with westernaustralia.com six miles behind. With over 4500 miles to go, this race is still anyone’s game!


Positions at 0400 GMT

Team DTF DTL

1. Cardiff 4519 0

2. Durban 4553 34

3. Victoria 4562 43

4. Uniquely Singapore 4563 44

5. New York 4566 47

6. Liverpool 08 4568 49

7. Qingdao 4570 51

8. Glasgow 4574 55

9. Jersey 4575 56

10. westernaustralia.com 4581 62