The Ocean Race: 11th Hour skipper steps aside after positive COVID test
by 11th Hour Racing 8 Jan 2023 01:45 PST
8 January 2023
11th Hour Racing Team racing at the Defi Azimut in Lorient, France September 14, 2022 © Eloi Stichelbaut / Polaryse
Eight days after first testing positive for COVID-19 on arrival in Alicante, 11th Hour Racing's skipper Charlie Enright (USA) is still producing positive results.
He has stepped aside from the crew for the In-Port Race, and has been replaced as skipper for the race.
Race Control has approved Enright being replaced by Justine Mettraux (SUI) for the In-Port Race January 8th, and Simon Fisher (GBR) will be the designated skipper.
Charlie has been under close medical supervision and is following direction from the team’s doctor and medical experts. After a few days of a heavy cold, he is feeling back to normal and has no symptoms of the virus.
“It’s obviously not the planned build-up to the start of The Ocean Race for me,” said Charlie, “But what’s more important is ensuring that no one else on the sailing team catches COVID from me in the days leading up to the start. We are being ultra-cautious, which is the right approach, and I’m looking forward to being back with the team next week.”
Six months of intense racing starts today, January 8, at 1630 CET with the Alicante In-Port Race. Although The Ocean Race has always been about the thrill and skill of crossing open oceans, the In-Port Race Series has long been a popular and integral part of the race’s DNA.
The In-Port race will be covered on the event's social media channels - there's also the possibility to watch all the action LIVE on Eurosport's YouTube channel.
The wind is forecast to build through the afternoon, and by the time the race has started will be 9-13 knots southerly with a calm sea state.
Although in-port races do not count towards a team’s overall points score, they do play an important part in the overall rankings as the In-Port Race Series standings are used to break any point ties that occur during the race around the world.
The 11th Hour Racing Team crew line-up for the Alicante In-Port Race today will be:
Simon Fisher (designated skipper) GBR
Jack Bouttell AUS/GBR
Francesca Clapcich ITA
Justine Mettraux SUI
Amory Ross (media crew member) USA
Where to watch The Ocean Race Alicante In-Port Races - TODAY Sunday, 8 January:
Start times:
VO65 fleet In Port Race from 1400 CET / 1300 UTC
IMOCA fleet In Port Race from 1530 CET / 1430 UTC
The international broadcast will be available on Eurosport's YouTube channel Eurosport's YouTube channel