News

Hull & Humber move into the lead

17 September 2007

After an exciting race start yesterday with Durban 2010 and Beyond taking an early lead down the Mersey the positions have been changing overnight in this first highly tactical coastal race to La Rocelle.  Wilberforce Challenge Cup winners Hull & Humber have now moved into pole position with Nova Scotia and Liverpool 08 hot on their heels.

The brisk wind from the south west enabled the fleet to depart the Mersey at speed yesterday before it veered round to the west.  This change in wind direction led to a split in the fleet with both the early race leaders, Durban 2010 and Beyond, and the current race leaders, Hull & Humber, taking a more northerly track.  New York and Uniquely Singapore chose a more southerly route with Qingdao and westernaustralia2011.com taking the middle road.

The first night of racing will have been a testing one for the crew and skippers with strong northerly winds enabling the fleet to fly their spinnakers.  Duty skipper Hannah Jenner on Glasgow: Scotland with style will have been busy ensuring that positions were communicated between the fleet. 

Joff Bailey, Race Director said:  “It will have been very exciting sailing for the crew last night.  The nerves from the start line will have been taken over by the exhilaration of some fast downwind at the last pole the fleet were continuing to make swift progress with Durban 2010 and Beyond registering the fastest boat speed of 17 knots at that time.  Some of the crew will have been a bit green around the gills but that will soon pass as they get used to the conditions.”

After rounding Anglesey overnight the fleet are now making swift progress down the Irish Sea and with wind speeds forecasted to build during the day, the first race of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is proving to be a fast one.

Colin de Mowbray, Operations Director said: “It will be interesting to see if Hull & Humber can hold onto their lead.  As winners of the Wilberforce Challenge Cup Race in July the pressure is on to see if they gain a podium position into La Rochelle.”

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