The Battle has only just begun - Times Clipper 2000

by Loretta Spridgeon on 22 Aug 2001 All of the eight Clipper yachts are safely berthed in harbour after one of
the most interesting and energetic legs so far in The Times Clipper 2000
Round the World Yacht Race. There is a general feeling that this race was
much more demanding than expected, largely because of the constant sail
changes and also the severe heat between decks when the hatches had to
closed on the windward phases. Despite transiting the Doldrums, it was also
a fast race with average speeds over 8 knots.

As the crews compared notes after meeting face to face for the first time
for 3 weeks there was talk about squalls, wind holes, favourable currents
and unfavourable currents and just about every other variable generated by
this unpredictable course. This race was indeed the medley it was billed as.
Everyone racing on it has become acutely more aware of the weather systems
and oceanic currents that have such an influence on our lives. The ocean is
not a great big blue table cloth, it is a living tapestry and it is a
delight to see the crews so aware and interested in their environment.

Racing is what the Clipper experience is all about and the last three weeks
have seen some of the best so far. After a fast start from Salvador the
boats charged up the Brazilian coast in a tight pack. London Clipper
diverted to Recife for repairs and did not enjoy seeing the fleet sail away
during their pit stop. At that stage they did not know they were going to be
awarded 4 hours and 25 minutes redress, and what importance this was to
have. Amazingly 36 hours after chasing the fleet London Clipper had taken
the lead with a record 24 hour run of 300 miles.

The fleet split before the Doldrums with Leeds Clipper taking the eastern
flank and Plymouth and London the western. In the end it was Bristol that
broke clear in the middle. In a crucial six hour period she opened out three
miles from Portsmouth and the chasing pack of Jersey and Liverpool. This
small but significant lead was to be amplified into a giant 130 gap between
her and the others. Portsmouth finally broke clear and having shown very
good pace throughout the race managed to win a 100 miles from Jersey and
Liverpool who were chasing. The flankers in the west stopped dead and their
race looked run. Leeds Clipper also paid dearly for her brave eastern
strategy and was not able to get back into the fold.

It may have looked like a clear run in for the last 1500 miles but there
were many twists to keep the keen race followers amused. In the end Bristol
Clipper stopped within 100 miles of the line. The messages from Bristol's
skipper Bob Beggs became less chirpy as Portsmouth Clipper closed them with
all guns bearing. It was a tired and relieved Bristol crew that took the gun
on Race 14 into New York. Portsmouth has really come back into the fold
with a good second place and has moved up the rankings two places to fourth
but Plymouth and Liverpool are all within 4 points and this place could go
to any of them.

The drama did not finish after Bristol, Portsmouth and Jersey crossed the
line. London, Plymouth and Liverpool were converging and all finished within
5 hours of Jersey. Bristol and Jersey’s crews waited patiently for London to
finish. It appeared that with her redress she would easily beat Jersey and
take third place - but then the wind failed. She and the other boats drifted
helplessly knowing that the tidal stream was turning against them. Finally
word came that London had crossed the line and had beaten Jersey by just
over an hour. This put Bristol in the overall lead of The Times Clipper 2000
by a mere 0.4 of a point from arch-rival Jersey Clipper. With two races to
run this is indeed turning into a battle royal and the race for the fabulous
Times Trophy will be decided by the final sprint of the sixteen-race series
from Jersey to Portsmouth.

The Times Clipper 2000 is not just about the first and second boats. London
has strengthened her third place while Portsmouth has been the clear winner
on the leader board by moving from sixth to fourth. Plymouth and Liverpool
have moved down a place but are both extremely competitive and fast boats.
The needle match between Leeds and Glasgow continues and both these boats
have shown they have the pace of the others but have suffered by taking the
braver options. It is surprising that neither have been rewarded yet because
the leaders are no longer interested at taking anything but the safe
tactical options and covering themselves. Neither Bristol nor Jersey will
mind if a boat taking a ‘flyer’ beats them. They are only staring at each
other. The fight is on.

-ends-
21st August 2001

For further information, sailing images, crew interviews, or to RESERVE A
PRESS BOAT PLACE FOR THE TIMES CLIPPER 2000 FINISH, please contact:

Loretta Spridgeon / Sue Warden-Owen
MHL Press and Publicity
Tel: 01489 575227
Fax: 01489 577766
Mobile: 07773 818586 / 07770 596111
Email: suewo@dial.pipex.com
Web: www.clipper-ventures.com & www.libertylandingmarina.com