Countdown To Start Of Clipper Race’s North Atlantic Crossing

26th June 2018

The Clipper Race fleet departing New York on Monday Credit: Ben Solomon

#ClipperRace - After bidding farewell to the Big Apple in style yesterday (Monday 25 June), the Clipper Race fleet has regrouped off Long Island ahead of today’s Le Mans start of Race 12: The LegenDerry Race from New York to Derry-Londonderry.

The 3,000-nautical-mile stage is due to begin at 2pm local time (7pm Irish time), and according to Clipper Race meteorologist Simon Rowell, the teams should see the breeze gradually build to 10 knots and veer to south-southeast for the start.

But while the wind will keep building and veering over the coming days, visibility will be a concern at times, with fog developing at the centre of the new high cell as it moves east.

For now, all is well, with the fleet treated to several whale sightings and a dolphin show or two whilst going through refresher sailing training and MOB drills.

It also has been a time for reflection ahead of what will be the sixth and final ocean crossing of the 2017-18 edition of the Clipper Race.

Unicef skipper Bob Beggs says: “This our final ocean crossing and cannot be taken for granted. The North Atlantic can be as tough as any and needs to be given respect. Still, the weather forecast is fair at the present time.”

Visit Seattle skipper Nikki Henderson has also been thinking about the last big ocean race, adding: “Now our minds look to Derry-Londonderry – 3,000 nautical miles or so in the distance - and of home to Liverpool. It feels a significant moment as we head out to start our last ocean crossing of the race.

“Let’s hope we have a successful race, and hold our place on the leaderboard, and most importantly - have a fun crossing!”

While Visit Seattle, currently third in the overall standings, has opted to save its Joker Card for the final race from Derry-Londonderry to Liverpool, Unicef and PSP Logistics have decided to play the device now and double any race points earned in Race 12.

PSP Logistics skipper Matt Mitchell says: “The team is super keen to get stuck in to this race and it's all to play for in the Autumn stages of this round the world race.”

With just 15 points currently separating PSP Logistics in fifth from the second placed Qingdao, the latter’s skipper Chris Kobusch knows a lot is riding on Race 12.

“For us it will be a tough last Leg, as Visit Seattle and PSP Logistics both still have to play their Joker Card and might then either take our second place or be very close behind. The next two races will decide who gets onto the podium.”

This is the fourth consecutive time the Clipper Race fleet has raced across the Atlantic to Derry-Londonderry, and it will be a special homecoming for skipper Conall Morrison and the Irish members of his HotelPlanner.com team.

After being bid farewell by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, in New York, Conall says: “I am now, more than ever looking forward to this LegenDerry Race into my own home port and am very proud to have such a great and happy team along with me.”

Race 12: The LegenDerry Race is expected to take up to 19 days, with the Clipper Race fleet estimated to arrive in Derry-Londonderry between 10-14 July – just in time for the Foyle Maritime Festival.

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.