With spinnakers flying and some competitive close quarters racing, the transatlantic chase began as the Clipper fleet set sail from Sydney, Cape Breton Island, to hunt down Cork, Ireland, in Race 12 of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.
Under blue skies and in a breeze of five to ten knots from the south, the nine yachts crossed the start line at 1400 local time (1700 GMT). They were set on their way by race founder and chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who fired one of the Fortress of Louisbourg’s replica eight pound cannons to start the 2,080-mile race to Kinsale, Co Cork, Ireland.
Thousands of spectators lined Sydney’s boardwalk and the wharf at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion to watch as California crossed the start line first, closely followed by Team Finland and Uniquely Singapore, all three flying their yankee 1 headsail. Spirit of Australia went straight for their lightweight spinnaker and immediately powered past the first three teams with Qingdao shortly behind them, changing up from their yankee 1 to their medium weight spinnaker as they crossed the start line just inches ahead of Hull & Humber who were already flying theirs. Jamaica Lightning Bolt was just ahead of Cape Breton Island who, keeping to the eastern side of the course hoisted their lightweight kite and immediately sped to the front of the pack to the delight of their supporters who were cheering loudly on shore. Edinburgh Inspiring Capital completed the order over the line and as they raced down the river towards the open ocean the racing was incredibly competitive, the lead changing hands a number of times.
Cape Breton Island was first to move ahead of Spirit of Australia and, as they approached the mouth of the river, Hull & Humber led from Team Finland and Uniquely Singapore, with Edinburgh Inspiring Capital moving up through the pack. Only Jamaica Lightning Bolt had not yet launched their spinnaker, preferring to stick with their yankee 1 for the early stages of the race.
Preparing for the departure, Cape Breton Island skipper, Jan Ridd, said, “I’m very sad to leave. It has been a really nice, relaxed stopover for most of the crews. I expected it to be very high key and busy for us but actually it’s been really relaxed for us and I really would like to stay here longer – I haven’t had time to see all that I want to!”
During the stopover Jan was presented with an eagle feather by Chief Terrence Paul of the Membertou first nation community.
“At first I didn’t actually fully understand the full honour that it is but I have found out that Chief Terry Paul has been chief for over 30 years and has never given an eagle feather to anyone else. I am the first one he’s given it to which makes the honour even greater. Speaking to people who know about these things it is the highest honour, so I’m very, very touched by that.”
Following brunch at the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club the crews were led by children from the Cape Breton Island schools which have adopted the teams to the big fiddle at Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion for the official send off.
Spectators packed the dock as the teams slipped their lines to the strains of their boat songs, heading out into the harbour to form up for a parade of sail. As the nine yachts passed by Sydney’s waterfront, the Canadian SkyHawks leapt from a plane overhead in a freefall parachute display.
The crews have been enjoying the fantastic hospitality, exquisite seafood including Atlantic lobster and stunning scenery Cape Breton Island has to offer. A packed stopover programme included a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg and receptions at Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club and Dobson’s Yacht Club, which has three members competing in Clipper 09-10.
The fleet is now chasing Cork in a pursuit race across the Atlantic. The team led by Hannah Jenner left Sydney on Thursday. The Challenge 67 that the crew is now sailing is slightly shorter and also heavier than the Clipper 68s, so the fleet is racing under IRC handicap rules. For Race 12 that handicap is being applied up front, hence their departure from Cape Breton Island on Thursday rather than with the rest of the fleet today. For the first time in the Clipper Race’s history this is a pursuit race after the original Clipper 68 was lost when Cork hit a submerged reef in the Java Sea last January.
The Clipper fleet is due to arrive in Kinsale, Ireland, between 1 and 4 July for an eight day festival there and in Cork City. For more information on the festival programme, visit www.corkclipperfestival.com <http://www.corkclipperfestival.com> .
