Clipper Race: Qingdao update

Clipper Race fleet © Clipper Round the World Race

Update 1515 11 April

Qingdao has not departed Japan this morning, as planned. The yacht and its crew were cleared to leave by the Japanese authorities but the Clipper Race had not received the final clearance from Transport Malta and therefore could not sail until final approval had been given.

Although this permission has now come through and the yacht has been cleared to sail, the Clipper Race team has also been closely monitoring a very strong Typhoon approaching Japan. In all of the Clipper Race team's calculations, in conjunction with Clipper Race Meteorologist, Simon Rowell, it was indicated that if Qingdao had left at the planned time today, the team would have been clear eastward of the typhoon. However, the delays have meant that, what would have been manageable weather conditions, are now likely to have deteriorated swiftly.

To avoid any risk to the Qingdao crew, the Clipper Race has made the decision to hold the yacht in Yokosuka until the typhoon has passed. It is estimated this could take between three to five days, depending on how fast the weather system advances. (Please note: in terms of the rest of the fleet, the typhoon will reduce in strength before it reaches them.)

This will now mean that unfortunately, Qingdao will most likely miss the Seattle stopover, because the rest of the fleet will have had to depart from the city before the yacht could arrive.

After departing Japan later this week, Qingdao may now head to an alternative USA port, further south on the West Coast. Once the team is sailing again and we have an estimate based on the yacht's progress, we will be able to advise the location of this port. The objective is for Qingdao to join Leg 7/Race 11 as soon as possible. Details on this will be announced as soon as the Clipper Race team is able to make a worthwhile prediction on Qingdao's likely arrival date.

Update 1830 10 April

We are pleased to say that the repairs to Qingdao were completed on Sunday afternoon in Yokosuka, Japan, with the works currently curing overnight.

A local surveyor has inspected all repairs thoroughly, taking comprehensive photos of the work for the Clipper Race Office and Maintenance Team. The surveyor has explained the repairs to Race Skipper, Chris Brooks and the team, noting that they have been carried out to a high standard. A detailed report on the repairs has been sent to Clipper Race flag state surveyor, Transport Malta, which has in turn, confirmed it is happy that a professional repair has been completed and that the yacht is fit to depart tomorrow.

The Qingdao yacht is still planning to depart on Monday. It has been refuelled in preparation and victualling has been organised for the remainder of the race, with the final supplies due to arrive early tomorrow morning (Monday).

The ship agent that has been working closely with the team has arranged that all Customs, Quarantine and Immigration formalities be completed Monday morning. It is estimated that Qingdao will depart at 1200 local time (0400 UTC) tomorrow.

Qingdao will motorsail out to waypoint 34 degrees50N, 140 degrees00E (approximately 6nm off the southern coast of Japan) then resume racing from that point. This waypoint is approximately 40nm from its current position and it should take the team 5-6 hours to get there. Due to the need for the team to arrive into Seattle as safely and swiftly as possible it has been agreed with the Clipper Race Office that the team will not travel back to the point at which they ceased racing.

Once in the vicinity of the given waypoint, Chris Brooks will send an email to the Race Office, giving a GPS position and time in UTC and confirm that the engine is off and the team has resumed racing. It is estimated that Qingdao will resume racing at approximately 1800 local time (1000 UTC) on Monday 11 April.

Predicted weather conditions currently show Qingdao will have moderate southerly winds for the first few days which should keep it on a starboard tack and this favourable weather will also help the team to settle back into racing and boat life. And of course help them to get east as quickly as possible.

Although it is normal that there is no redress for the team's diversion, the team is still in Race 10 and if it manages to catch up any of the back markers, then they would be able to gain positions and finishing points. Qingdao is also able to compete in the Ocean Sprint and gain bonus points just like any other team.

Once the team has started racing and has begun its crossing of the North Pacific, the Clipper Race should have a clearer estimate of the team's arrival into Seattle. An update on this will be made in due course.