Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet locked in battle

by Ruth Harrington on 11 Jun 2012 Clipper 2011-12 Round the World Yacht Race fleet are on the fourth day of race twelve from New York to Nova Scotia. It has been another night of competitive racing for the ten-strong fleet of racing yachts. With just over 100 miles until the race finish, the fleet continue to battle it out for that coveted podium position and crucial points.

'The fleet is locked in a closely fought tactical battle,' is how the skipper of the Welcome to Yorkshire entry described Race 12 from New York to Nova Scotia. The British entry is currently in third place, currently only one mile separates them and fourth place Singapore.

Gold Coast Australia continues to retain their lead after experiencing some near perfect sailing conditions by the northern part of Georges Bank, at the edge of the Atlantic continental shelf between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia, 'At midnight the tide finally turned for us and our speed over ground increased to match that of the other yachts, catapulting us towards Browne’s Bank where we hope to gain another tidal advantage to help maintain our lead over the yachts to the west,' explains skipper, Richard Hewson.

All ten of the racing yachts are fiercely competing to make gains on each other. However, it hasn’t been perfect sailing for the whole fleet as variable wind conditions continue to frustrate New York and De Lage Landen, while Geraldton Western Australia has been experiencing frustrating counter currents hampering their speed and slowing down their progress.

The lead boats are expected to cross the finish line within the next 12 hours from there the teams will motor to the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, arriving at approximately 0800 local time (1100 GMT).

Latest boat positions (1200 UTC)

Position	Team	DTF	DTL
1	Gold Coast Australia	105 NM	0 NM
2	Visit Finland	119 NM	14 NM
3	Welcome to Yorkshire	124 NM	20 NM
4	Singapore	125 NM	20 NM
5	De Lage Landen	131 NM	26 NM
6	Geraldton Western Australia	133 NM	28 NM
7	Edinburgh Inspiring Capital	134 NM	29 NM
8	Qingdao	138 NM	33 NM
9	Derry-Londonderry	142 NM	37 NM
10	New York	149 NM	44 NM

Full positions are updated every three hours and can be found online along with daily skipper Clipper Round the World Yacht Race website