Clipper fleet arrives at Royal Cork Yacht Club

29 June 2008

All ten of the internationally-backed yachts of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race fleet are now berthed at Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Ireland following the finish of Race 13.

The penultimate contest of the 14-race Clipper 07-08 series was won by New York, who crossed the finish line a little over an hour ahead of second placed Qingdao and Hull & Humber, who came third. New York have stretched their lead over their closest British rivals to three and a half points.

Hull & Humber skipper Danny Watson said, “We have to beat them by a few places now, I guess. That whole thing was just a great race. We had some close quarters stuff in the fog at the beginning then heavy winds, some downwind sailing which was great, then back into heavy winds and then some downwind close quarters sailing again at the end. It was close with Qingdao at the end but we had eight days alongside Jamaica which just shows that the whole fleet is fairly evenly matched and it’s only small differences which mean you can get away. There was only one day that we weren’t alongside another Clipper. It’s like match racing across an ocean, which is fabulous, that’s what it’s all about.”

Reflecting on his team’s win, Duggie said, “We were aware of the situation between us and Hull & Humber at the start and it’s all part of a plan. The guys have focused, worked really hard out there, shown lots of teamwork and executed well. The team produced the goods. They’re all really happy.”

Joff Bailey, Race Director, said, “Both Hull & Humber and New York have demonstrated once again that they deserve their positions in the overall table. It’s not over yet for either of them; the result here sets up a very exciting finale to Clipper 07-08 when the final positions will be decided.”

After 2,080 miles of ocean racing all ten of the 68-foot yachts arrived within 20 hours of each other, the crews happy to enjoy the hospitality of the Royal Cork Yacht Club – burgers and kegs of Heineken – at the end of an arduous race across the North Atlantic.

The fleet set off from Sydney, Cape Breton Island, at the eastern tip of Nova Scotia 13 days ago and have coped with thick fog and light winds through the infamous Grand Banks as well as gales during the race to Cork, Ireland.

Now the crews will enjoy some time to relax in Crosshaven and the wider environs of County Cork ahead of the final sprint to Liverpool, where the arrival on Saturday 5 July will form part of the city’s European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations. The Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest yacht club in the world, welcomed the crews with burgers and kegs of Heineken, which will also be flowing freely at the official welcome party and prize giving ceremony on Tuesday 1 July.

The results of Race 13 are as follows. All times are GMT

1 New York 10:59:13
2 Qingdao 12:01:22
3 Hull & Humber 12:16:17
4 Liverpool 08 15:09:18
5 Uniquely Singapore 16:16:53
6 Jamaica 16:29:32
7 Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper 17:11:28
8 Durban 2010 and Beyond 18:48:43
9 westernaustralia2011.com 02:55:47 (29 June)
10 Nova Scotia 06:54:38 (29 June)

Founder of the Clipper Race and legendary solo sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, a regular visitor to Crosshaven, says, “I think the crews of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race will discover something I learned in 1970 in the Round Britain Race and have re-learned on a number of occasions: that the Royal Cork Yacht Club provides and atmosphere and friendliness second to none.”

This is the first time the Clipper Race, now in its sixth edition, has visited Ireland. Fiona Buckley, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland South West, says, “Fáilte Ireland South West is delighted to support the Clipper arrival into Cork, and welcomes the support of Cork County Council and the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Sailing is central to the development of tourism in the South West and particularly in Cork and is central to the Fáilte Ireland South West Regional Development Strategy 2008-2010.

“Cork has an enviable sailing and maritime reputation worldwide, stemming from its unique natural harbour, yacht clubs and maritime history. What makes it so special is the vibrancy of the people and culture, the unsurpassed beauty of its landscape and the array of quality local food. Sailing along the East and West Cork coastline is a magical experience. I am confident that this week’s pit stop in Cork, which brings with it worldwide media, officials and crew and Ministerial parties form the Department of Tourism in both Nova Scotia and Jamaica, will impress the importance of the Cork region upon the event organisers and hopefully lead to the return of the race in a formal capacity.”

The final race to Liverpool will start on Thursday 3 July.

Visit Clipper Round The World Yacht Race for more exciting updates.