Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Spirit of Jamaica Chase underway

by Marina Thomas on 14 May 2014 In the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, the 12 teams have transited the Panama Canal and started Race 12, the Spirit of Jamaica Chase, today.

A Le Mans start 30 miles off the Panama coast at first light local time (around 12pm UTC) will mark the commencement of the 590 mile sprint to Jamaica.

The short upwind race will be punctuated by easterly trade winds of 10 to 15 knots moving their way through the Caribbean Sea.

Clipper Race Director Justin Taylor said the race will be won or lost on helming skills.

'It’s possible to get round the eastern end of Jamaica in one tack and those boats that do that will do well. The race will require a lot of concentration and as the fleet will be so tightly packed, it will be pretty stressful. I don’t think the skippers will get any sleep between Panama and Jamaica.

'Every little bit counts in every race, but this one will be particularly intense and I anticipate a very close finish.'

Skipper of Jamaica Get All Right, Pete Stirling, will be vying to win the race into his boat’s home port and make Clipper Race history.

'We are determined to make every effort to win into our home port. We’ve proved we can get onto the podium and to win the Spirit of Jamaica Chase would be fantastic for the entire crew; they deserve it. I’m under no illusions that this will be a tough three-day sprint where we will have to be perform continuously. Every minute and every fraction of a knot could make a big difference in this closely matched fleet in what will inevitably be some of the closest and most exciting racing of the whole series.'

The Jamaica Tourist Board has chosen to name Race 12 the Spirit of Jamaica Chase to highlight the Caribbean’s most popular island and all Jamaica offers to visitors with its beautiful beaches, mountains and culture.

Standings

Position - Team	DTL
Great Britain	0NM
Derry~Londonderry~Doire	0NM
Henri Lloyd	1NM
Invest Africa	6NM
Jamaica Get All Right	3NM
Mission Performance	3NM
Old Pulteney	2NM
One DLL	2NM
PSP Logistics	1NM
Qingdao	2NM
Switzerland	2NM
Team Garmin	3NM

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race