Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts X4.3

Race 7: Endless Discovery in Ha Long Bay – Race conditions

by Clipper Round the World Race 29 Jan 2024 05:28 AEDT
Clipper Race © Brooke Miles Photography

The Clipper Race fleet prepared to embark on Leg 5, the Asia Pacific Leg. This leg is renowned as the most fast paced of the entire circumnavigation, promising a rollercoaster of challenges.

Race 7: Endless Discover in Ha Long Bay begins in the picturesque Whitsundays, where teams experienced the thrill of the first Le Mans start of the Clipper 2023-24 Race, which set the stage for an exhilarating adventure.

As the fleet sails out of Australia, it will face the first hurdle - a cyclone that was in the region. Deputy Race Director Dale Smyth sheds light on the current weather forecast, stating: "As the fleet heads down to Mackay to clear out of Australia, cyclone Kirrily has well and truly moved inland and degraded. This has left the fleet looking at north westerly winds for the Le Mans start which means them heading hard upwind on a Port tack towards the Equator."

The temperatures will soar as the fleet heads north, testing the mettle of sailors both mentally and physically. Dale Smyth emphasises the demanding nature of this leg: "The increasing temperature for each mile sailed will be one of the greatest challenges of this leg, particularly until the teams are through the islands of Papua New Guinea and into the monsoon in the Northern Hemisphere once again, where temperatures will be more bearable with the boats sailing well. This is a leg of many varying conditions and challenges, perhaps one of the toughest mental legs of all and it will start with a race to get to and through the doldrums.

"Hopefully the teams will not be forced too much to the east as the potential of wind holes increases the further east you go. Height and speed will be key as the teams all aim to lay the southern gate of the Doldrums Corridor." Dale adds.

Teams with robust light-wind sailing skills are expected to seize this opportunity to gain a competitive edge.

The second Equator crossing isn't just a navigational milestone; it marks the return of King Neptune for his second visit of the circumnavigation. The fleet may witness spectacular lightning storms and passing squalls, offering a reprieve from the heat but introducing the challenge of heavy conditions.

The much-anticipated Race 7 commenced at 0000 UTC on January 29, with the Le Mans start led by the Skipper of Dare To Lead, Ryan Gibson.

Adding a touch of homecoming sentiment, Skipper Josh Stickland will guide team Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam into its home port amidst the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay.

As the fleet embarks on this race of endless discovery, it braces itself for the challenges that await them on the journey from the Whitsundays to Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam. The Clipper Race continues to unfold, promising a spectacle of skill, resilience, and the enduring spirit of exploration.

Related Articles

Clipper Race & UNICEF mark a decade of partnership
Fundraising efforts from race crew will continue to support UNICEF's work globally Today, the leading child rights organisation, UNICEF, was announced as a Team and Charity Partner of the Clipper Race once again. Posted on 6 May
Clipper Race announces line up of First Mates
Each First Mate will assist their Race Skipper in leading their teams of non-professionals The Clipper Race First Mates who will be helping to lead a team in the toughest endurance challenge on the planet have been announced. Posted on 26 Apr
Seattle set to host Clipper Race stopover
Tenth anniversary of first visit, returning with team entry Seattle is set to host the Clipper 2025-26 Race as the global sailing event has announced the city will feature on its race route. Posted on 4 Apr
Clipper Round the World Race to return to Oban
After tourism boosting debut visit last summer The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be returning to Oban to "bring global focus on the area as a great place to visit and invest" as the West Coast town is announced as a port on the event's 2025-26 edition. Posted on 31 Mar
Clipper Race announces its new line-up of skippers
“Sailing is a level playing field – with the ocean an equaliser” The next roster of eleven Clipper Race Skippers taking on one of the toughest jobs in sailing has been announced. Each will lead teams of non-professionals, making six ocean crossings on the 40,000 nautical mile, eleven-month race around the globe. Posted on 28 Mar
Clipper Race celebrates 30 years of adventure
One of the secrets to the success and longevity of biennial event is the highly experienced team This month marks 30 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, founded the Clipper Race. Posted on 7 Mar
Clipper Race to return to Portsmouth
On the 25th anniversary of its first departure from the city When its fleet departs from Gunwharf Quays this August, the event will be celebrating two milestones - the 25th anniversary of its first departure from the city and 30 years of training people to cross oceans and sail around the world. Posted on 3 Mar
Clipper Race returns to its roots
To find next batch of ocean adventurers At 58 years old, Plymouth-based Advanced Clinical Practitioner Loveday Fethney is proving that adventure knows no age limit. Posted on 15 Feb
Spotlight on Clipper Race Leg 5
A tactical multi-stage challenge through the tropics Renowned for its challenging conditions and energising close racing, Leg 5 is a multi-stage leg on the Clipper Race circumnavigation. Posted on 1 Feb
Musto partners with three Clipper Ventures brands
This broader partnership with Clipper Ventures will span the next four years Clipper Race crew have worn Musto in training and on their ocean crossings since 2019 and will continue to be kitted out in industry leading technical clothing for the upcoming 2025-26 and 2027-28 editions. Posted on 25 Jan
RS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERJeanneau Sun Odyssey 350Selden 2020 - FOOTER