Flurry of arrivals for Cape to Rio Race
by Peridot Communications 1 Feb 2003 13:34 GMT
After only four yachts finishing today, the Yacht Club Rio de Janeiro was a hive of activity as seven boats finished the 3400-mile SAP Cape to Rio ocean race over the weekend.
The Australian maxi Helsal II beat her two challengers Auto Atlantic
Thunderchild and Daly´s Insurance to the finish line in Guanabara Bay by
arriving shortly after 14h00 (18h00 SA Time).
Auto Atlantic Thunderchild finished at 17h26 (SA time 21h26) in an elapsed
time of 20 days and four hours. Dalys Insurance crossed the line one minute
afterwards.
They were followed by John Levin’s Indaba Konica/Mallinicks at 19h53.
Speaking to the skipper Levin on his experiences during the race, he
reiterated what a stunning event it was. “The only thing that I really
missed was the fact that I became a grandfather during the trip. My first
grand children were born on 21st January 2003, and I was really very sad not
being able to be there, particular since they were triplets: 2 boys and a
girl” said Levin, who has now done the race six times.
With the boats coming in fast and furiously, the handicap rankings are being
shaken up. Gauteng entry Baleka is still maintaining her top spot with
Madiba Racing Team in second position. By finishing late Friday evening,
the yacht Diel with her crew of school kids from Reddam House has moved into
third slot.
In a telephonic interview, skipper Bernard Diebold said that he was
obviously extremely relieved to have the six kids safe in Rio. “It has been
27 years since I’ve last visited Rio and I can’t wait to get out and see the
sights. It has been an absolutely incredible journey, but I’m really
looking forward to a good meal and a hot shower.”
Investec is currently fourth with the Miura Julie III fifth. Suidoos 2 has
dropped down to sixth position, but is maintaining a mooring of honour in
front of the yacht club in Rio.
For race updates and interactive progress charts, visit the official race
website on www.capetorio.org