Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race - Leg 7 Start
by Clipper Ventures 5 Jul 2006 23:34 BST
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR CLIPPER 05-06
The Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race left New York City today [5 July] for the final ocean showdown across the Atlantic to Jersey in the Channel Islands in race 11 which marks the last leg (leg 7) of this 35,000-mile global adventure.
The fleet left the dock at North Cove Marina at 0930 (local) to head out into the Hudson River, sailing past the magnificent Statue of Liberty before continuing to the start line off Ambrose Light.
The monsoon-like conditions failed to keep well wishers and the world's media away, even with golf-ball sized raindrops lashing the pavement! The crew were drenched before they even hit a single Atlantic wave.
The ten-strong Clipper fleet will follow a classic ocean racing route; from Ambrose Light, across the Atlantic to an imaginary line between Lizard Point (UK) and Ushant (France)- the route which is commonly used for Transatlantic world speed records. They will then continue to cross the final finish line off Jersey.
Each 68-ft Dubois yacht will follow the Gulf Stream which will give an extra boost to their wind speed. The Gulf Stream is the warm water current that flows up from the Tropics across the Atlantic Ocean. The way they navigate the Stream will make all the difference; one of the tricks that the skippers will use is to monitor the water temperature, each boat will want to pick up the warmest currents for maximum effect.
Over the course of this 3100-mile race, the fleet will 'tie the knot' by crossing their original tracks from the very first leg from Liverpool to Salvador. For the 'round the worlders' on board, this will propel them to the realm of global circumnavigators.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who is currently racing back to the UK in the qualifying race for the VELUX FIVE OCEANS will pass within just 100 miles of the Clipper fleet, and he has pledged to keep a good look out for them whilst solo-sailing on Grey Power.
Race Director, Tim Hedges commented 'this is the last major ocean crossing for the fleet so tensions are very high at the moment. The top five boats on the overall leaderboard are very close and this certainly a race that will be watched form all corners of the globe. The race isn't over until the fat lady sing and there is still a lot of room for movement for podium positions'
Race leaders, Durban will be particularly nervous with westernaustralia.com breathing down her neck just half a point behind on the overall leaderboard.
The race to Jersey will take approximately 17 days and the fleet are due to arrive in St. Helier around 21 July. The race will start later on today at Ambrose Point.
The race has been a huge hit in New York and the shore team have signed up several 'Big Apple' residents for the 07-08 Race. For more information visit www.clipper-ventures.co.uk/0708