Clipper Race - Henri Lloyd extends lead with triple points in Race 13

by Julia Wall-Clarke on 1 Jun 2014 2013 - 14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Henri Lloyd crossed Race 13: The Grange Hotels Trophy finish line in first place at 14:25 UTC (10:25 local) today, to seal a remarkable triple triumph that will further extend its overall lead in the Clipper 2013-14 Race.

In the most successful points overhaul of the Clipper 2013-14 Race so far, Henri Lloyd will pick up the total, maximum 17 race points as in addition to the race win (12 points), the team also won the two bonus point opportunities for Race 13, the Scoring Gate (three points) and Ocean Sprint (two points).

Skipper Eric Holden from Vancouver, Canada said: 'The team really wanted to give this race a big effort and win into New York, one of our unofficial home ports. They did indeed put in the required effort and were rewarded not only with the race win but the triple crown of scoring gate, ocean sprint, and line honours. I am really proud of this team and feel we have finally made the transition to the final performing stage of team development'.

Long term rivals and second place overall team Great Britain claimed second place, crossing the finish line at 16:54 UTC (12:54 local). OneDLL held off tough competition from Switzerland to claim the final podium position at 18:06 UTC (14:06 local time). Switzerland finished at 19:17 UTC (16:17 local) in fourth place, narrowly missing its chance for a second consecutive pennant.

The 1,500 mile Race 13: The Grange Hotels Trophy, which started in Port Antonio was a very tightly contested race with no margin for error. Many of the fleet were in sight of each other as they raced up the windward passage to head out of the Caribbean Sea, through the notorious Bermuda triangle and into the North Atlantic Ocean.

Light and variable winds did slow the fleet however and the Race Office shortened the course at the Norfolk Gate, the second, most northerly gate in the course. This gate had been included in the course instructions to be used in the eventuality of adverse weather conditions.

The Clipper Race fleet will start to arrive at Liberty Landing Marina, New Jersey tomorrow night where they will berth until 4 June when the fleet transfers to North Cove Marina, Manhattan. Race 14 to Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland starts from NYC on 7 June.