26 Oct 2023

Race 3 update: Stop go, stop go

Stop go, stop go. That's been the theme of this race to Cape Town so far, but could that be about to change? On day five of Race 3: TIMEZERO South Atlantic Showdown, the current leaders Perseverance have only managed to put 500 miles between themselves and Yacht Club Punta del Este . Image: Race View action on Day 5…

26 Nov 2019

Race 4 Day 9: What’s the Score?

The Scoring Gate results are in on Day 9 of Race 4: The Marlow Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride. The Scoring Gate, which is positioned approximately 135 nm due north of…

4 Jul 2018

Race 12 Day 8: Scoring Gate Gamble

It may be the 4th of July but it’s not so much independence day for the Clipper Race fleet as they are still racing in two fairly tight packs. Five…

6 May 2018

​Race 10 Day 6: Mexico Calling

The sixth day of Race 10: The Garmin American Challenge has featured champagne sailing conditions, as the fleet marks another milestone - crossing from Californian to Mexican latitudes. After a…

8 Apr 2018

​Race 9 Day 16: Heavy Weather Balancing Act

After the forecasted textbook North Pacific weather delivered some of Race 9’s fastest, most furious and thrilling conditions, with reports of gusts heading well into the 50 knot range overnight, the sun has come out and the Clipper Race fleet is currently experiencing some relatively warm champagne sailing conditions during Day 16. The big weather brought about many leaderboard changes,…

7 Apr 2018

​Race 9 Day 15: Fleet Bracing for Onslaught

For most competitors in the Clipper Race fleet, it’s the relative calm before the storm, with teams bracing themselves for a period of text-book North Pacific Ocean weather on day…

6 Apr 2018

​Race 9 Day 14: Seconds Apart in Scoring Gate Thriller

A thrilling match race played out in the midst of the North Pacific overnight as Sanya Serenity Coast, Qingdao and Unicef gave everything in the aim of securing top bonus points in the race to the Scoring Gate. IIt was almost too close to call but in the end, after a terrific and powerful downwind run, the first two teams…

3 Apr 2018

Race 9 Day 11: The Pacific Playground

A mixed bag of weather conditions has kept each of the eleven Clipper Race teams busy through the night, and any big tactical moves at bay, as a ridge of…

12 Mar 2018

Race 8 Day 8: Scoring Gate Decision Times

As we approach the final 500nm of this intense race to Qingdao, the Scoring Gate has posed a tactical headache overnight, with the five leading teams making a contrast of…

10 Mar 2018

Race 8 Day 6: Sunshine Sailing as Teams Round Taiwan

After a tough and wet couple of days for the Clipper Race fleet, the sun has come out, bringing plenty of positive attitudes as the teams make better progress up…

8 Mar 2018

Race 8 Day 4: Strong Winds for Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint Start

Half the Clipper Race fleet has begun the Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint for Race 8: The Sailing City Qingdao Cup, though all eleven teams are having to deal with the…

7 Mar 2018

Race 8 Day 3: Bumpy and Lumpy as Winds Start to Build

There’s been a reshuffle at the top after the Clipper Race fleet spent another busy night avoiding fishing vessels and dealing with strengthening winds en route to Qingdao. PSP Logistics…

5 Mar 2018

​Race 8 Day 1: Light Wind Lottery Creates Early Winners and Losers

The light wind lottery that got Race 8: The Sailing City Qingdao Cup, underway yesterday from Sanya, has continued overnight, with the teams out east taking the early jackpot as…

11 Feb 2018

Race 7 Day 12: Relief as Trade Winds Bring Gear Shift

Relief is the overriding emotion amongst the Clipper Race fleet on Day 12 of Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race as the Trade Winds which continue to boost progress…

6 Feb 2018

​Race 7 Day 7: Return to the Northern Hemisphere

The Clipper Race fleet has begun to spread out after a full week of racing in Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race with 167 nautical miles (nm) now separating…

31 Jan 2018

Race 7 Day 1: ​Light Wind Lottery Brings Leaderboard Changes

A testing first 24 hours of Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race has seen the Clipper Race fleet make slow progress whilst at the mercy of a light wind…

10 Jan 2018

​Race 6 Day 5: Southerly Buster marks Ocean Sprint start

After the Clipper Race fleet split into two packs, it has converged again over the last 24 hours as teams tackled stormy conditions, known locally as Southerly Busters, ahead of…

8 Jan 2018

​Race 6 Day 3: Scoring Gate Results are in

A gripping race to the Scoring Gate unfolded during the third day of Race 6: The Wondrous Whitsundays Race which ultimately saw Sanya Serenity Coast come out on top followed…

7 Jan 2018

​Race 6 Day 2: Race to the Scoring Gate

A mixed bag of conditions has kept the fleet very busy during the second day of racing in Race 6: The Wondrous Whitsundays race but the main focus for each…

5 Jan 2018

​Fleet Splits Tactics in Race to The Wondrous Whitsundays

Race 6: The Wondrous Whitsundays Race may only be six hours into its journey but some divisive early navigational choices and tight racing means the leaderboard is already making for…

28 Dec 2017

​Race 5 Day 2: All to Play For on Approach to Hobart

It has been another nail bitingly close day of racing with just 38 nautical miles separating the Clipper Race fleet as it descends upon Tasman Island, a race waypoint that…

27 Dec 2017

Race 5 Day 1: Bold Tactics in Fast, Close Race to Hobart

Just 35 nautical miles separate the whole Clipper Race fleet as teams approach the halfway stage in this fast, thrilling Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, enjoying champagne conditions as they fly…

13 Dec 2017

​Race 4, Day 11: Nerve-Wracking Drag Race to Finish

With under 200 nautical miles (nm) left to Sydney, but with under five nautical miles separating leaders Qingdao with Sanya Serenity Coast and Visit Seattle, in challenging winds,teams are set…

10 Dec 2017

Race 4 Day 8: Tactics at Play as Teams Round Tasmania

Following a week of close racing in the Southern Ocean, Clipper Race teams are getting more tactical as the race leaders approach Waypoint Mitchell, south of Tasmania, and prepare to…

5 Dec 2017

Race 4 Day 3: Leaderboard Shake Up Ahead of Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint

It has been a very close third day of racing in Race 4: The ClipperTelemed+ Tasman Test with just 38 nautical miles separating first and tenth position. Day 3 has…

17 Nov 2017

​Race 3 Day 17: Sleigh Ride Begins Ahead of Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint

Christmas has come early for the Clipper Race fleet which is finally enjoying the downwind sailing conditions that teams have been hoping for as they gear up for the Elliot…

12 Nov 2017

​Race 3 Day 12: Downwind Sailing Conditions Kick In

Following the grueling upwind slog which has dominated much of Race 3: The Dell Latitude Rugged Race, a wind shift overnight has meant that for some of the most southerly…

6 Nov 2017

​Race 3 Day 6: Squalls Test Fleet

Race 3: The Dell Latitude Rugged Race is known to serve up some of the most exhilarating and testing conditions of the entire circumnavigation and, over the last 24 hours,…

5 Nov 2017

​Race 3 Day 5: What a Difference a Day Makes

After a testing day on Friday, the Clipper Race fleet has enjoyed a more settled 24 hours in champagne sailing conditions that have allowed teams to recuperate and reset as…

4 Nov 2017

​RACE 3 DAY 4: CALM AFTER THE STORM

It has been a testing 24 hours for the Clipper Race fleet as it made its way through relentless upwind storm conditions yesterday. Sanya Serenity Coast has retained its lead…

2 Nov 2017

​RACE 3 DAY 2: LIGHT WINDS DIVIDE FLEET

Race 3: The Dell Latitude Rugged Race is often referred to as the Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride, but uncharacteristically light winds over the last 24 hours has seen the majority…

27 Oct 2017

​Race 2 Day 23: The Final Stretch

With just 275 nautical miles left for PSP Logistics in Race 2: Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms, full focus is on getting the boat in the best possible…

25 Oct 2017

​Race 2 Day 21: Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint Results Are In

Day 21 saw PSP Logistics reach its final milestone mark of Race 2: Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms; the Eastern gate of the Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint. After…

24 Oct 2017

​RACE 2 DAY 20: UNDER 1,000nm LEFT FOR PSP LOGISTICS

Thirteen days after re-joining Race 2: The Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms, PSP Logistics has hit another major milestone, passing the 1,000 nautical mile to go mark. PSP…

23 Oct 2017

​RACE 2 DAY 19: PSP LOGISTICS ENTERS ELLIOT BROWN OCEAN SPRINT

For PSP Logistics , Day 19 of Race 2: The Stormhoek Race to The Cape of Storms marked a significant milestone in the sprint to Cape Town: the Elliot Brown…

19 Oct 2017

Race 2 Day 15: Battle for Final Positions

After a fortnight of intense and incredibly close competition, seven of the twelve Clipper Race teams crossed the finish line in Cape Town overnight, successfully completing Race 2: Stormhoek Race…

17 Oct 2017

RACE 2 DAY 13: LIGHT AIRS HINDER FLEET

With less than two days before the fleet is scheduled to start descending upon the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, light wind conditions are bringing last minute frustrations for the…

14 Oct 2017

​RACE 2 DAY 10: THE ELLIOT BROWN OCEAN SPRINT COMMENCES

After another exhilarating day of surfing down South Atlantic waves for the Clipper Race fleet, focus on board has very much turned to the Race 2 Elliot Brown Ocean Sprint.…

13 Oct 2017

RACE 2 DAY 9: SHAKING OUT THE REEFS

Following fast and furious conditions over the last 24 hours, which has served up dramatic downpours and wind speeds gusting 60 knots, the Clipper Race fleet is busy shaking out…

9 Oct 2017

Race 2 Day 5: High-Pressure System Frustrates Fleet

After an intense and action-packed few days since leaving Punta del Este, Uruguay, a high-pressure system has affected many of the teams in the fleet, frustrating their progress in the…

14 Sep 2017

Race 1 Day 25: 4000nM sailed and the Fleet is Back Match Racing

After thousands of nautical miles sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, Visit Seattle , Sanya Serenity Coast and Unicef again hold first, second, and third position on the leader board. For…

5 Sep 2017

​Daily Update Race 1 Day 16: Into The Doldrums

A milestone was reached overnight when leading team, Qingdao, entered the Doldrums Corridor. Skipper Chris Kobusch formally notified the Clipper Race Office that Qingdao would motor-sail for exactly 6° of…

31 Aug 2017

Race 1 Day 11: Teams Eye Scoring Gate Points

The battle for positions continues with Qingdao holding onto its narrow lead. GREAT Britain is hot on its stern however, with Sanya Serenity Coast moving back up into third place…

29 Aug 2017

Race 1, Day 9: Champagne conditions create exciting helming coaching for crew

Following an impressive climb up the leaderboard, Qingdao, is still holding pole position, with GREAT Britain in second place and Sanya Serenity Coast third , as champagne sailing conditions with…

27 Aug 2017

Race 1 Day 7: Westerly Tactics Start To Pay Off

It has been yet another testing 24 hours for the Clipper Race fleet with a mixed bag of conditions leading to further shake ups on the leader board. For the…

26 Aug 2017

Race 1 Day 6: First Tough Test for Fleet

There have been leader board changes overnight with shifting winds and variable conditions resulting in teams experiencing some of the most demanding on board conditions of the race so far.…

25 Aug 2017

Race 1, Day 5: Tactics Time

Unicef remains in the lead for the fourth consecutive day of this opening race but the next 24 to 48 hours could be telling, with distinctly different strategies now in…

24 Aug 2017

Race 1, Day 4: The Pre-Doldrum Doldrums

Light winds continue to challenge during the fourth day of racing, which have caused the fleet to condense by 20 nautical miles in the last 24 hours in the Bay…

21 Aug 2017

Race 1 Day 1: Settling In

Following an adrenaline filled start to the Clipper 2017-18 Race, with big crowds and international media turning out to see the twelve teams and 247 crew members on their way…

29 Jul 2016

​Race 14 Day 1: Constant trimming, little sleep in final battle for points and positions

A tight battle in the final denouement of the circumnavigation is playing out across the fleet, with constant trimming and little sleep in the North Sea. After a downwind start…

21 Jul 2016

Race 13 Day 4: Teams vie for vital positions as westerlies power them towards finish line

Tensions are mounting across the fleet in this penultimate race with every team knowing that positions into Den Helder could prove pivotal in the final race standings. Until this morning…

20 Jul 2016

Race 13 Day 3: Squalls, lightning and a lot of pressure

The fleet is contending with squalls, lightning and navigating the North Sea oil rigs, and with the lead changing multiple times in the last 24 hours, the pressure is intense.…

19 Jul 2016

Race 13 Day 2: Overhauling, foul tides and mixed fortunes

Light, patchy winds and the strong tidal conditions north of Scotland are testing nerves and patience as the teams battle to clear notorious Pentland Firth and make it out into…

18 Jul 2016

​Race 13 Day 1: Tight racing with all to play for

Day 1 of the Den Helder Northern Seas Challenge and racing is extremely tight, with positions changing regularly as the teams focus on constant trimming off the Hebrides. Race 13…

7 Jul 2016

​Race 12 Day 17: Low pressure system for teams in closing stages

A low pressure system delivering lots of squalls is over the teams still at sea and headed south east towards Northern Ireland having cleared the Rockall mark of the course.…

6 Jul 2016

​Race 12 Day 16: LMAX Exchange on course for sixth overall race win

LMAX Exchange is on course for victory today after a fierce battle with Derry~Londonderry~Doire overnight, with positions changing often before the overall race leader managed to squeeze a two nautical…

4 Jul 2016

Race 12 Day 14: Frustrations kick in with easing winds

After setting a blistering pace across the Atlantic, some of the teams in the LegenDerry Finale have found themselves all but grind to a halt in the light winds off…

2 Jul 2016

Race 12 Day 12: Weather getting complicated in closing stages

After blasting across the North Atlantic in Race 12, The LegenDerry Finale, the weather forecasting is getting a little ‘complicated’ according to Clipper Race and Great Britain Olympic Sailing Team…

1 Jul 2016

Race 12 Day 11: Derry~Londonderry~ Doire leads Ocean Sprint to home port

In the last 24 hours, seven teams have completed the Ocean Sprint course in the LegenDerry Finale, in a bid to pick up the final bonus points on offer in…

30 Jun 2016

​Race 12 Day 10:  Teams enjoy strong westerlies at start of Ocean Sprint

The fleet is enjoying strong westerly winds of 15 to 20 knots as it heads east in the North Atlantic Ocean on day 10 of The LegenDerry Finale to Derry-Londonderry.…

29 Jun 2016

​Race 12 Day 9: Brakes off as westerly propels fleet forward

A strong westerly served up by the Azores High is propelling the yachts forward after a frustrating few days of light airs from the same high in the North Atlantic…

28 Jun 2016

Race 12 day 8: Mixed fortunes for fleet as Atlantic High causes pain

The frontrunners have managed to escape the grasp of the light winds associated with the ridge of the Azores High, but the back of the fleet is still suffering in…

27 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 7: Will there be a successful North Atlantic High Escape Artist?

A wind hole at the centre of the North Atlantic High could engulf the fleet today, with weather reports and tactics being analysed carefully on day 7 of The LegendDerry…

26 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 6: Teams battle for speed as they turn north towards Derry-Londonderry

The brakes have been put on the rollercoaster ride for now after the teams made the turn north around the Ice Box perimeter and now find themselves caught in the…

25 Jun 2016

​Race 12 Day 5: Could blistering progress slow as fleet prepares to head north?

It has been another fantastic day’s progress in the North Atlantic. 30 knots of wind from the south-southwest, sun, and current has seen teams blast reaching and reporting record runs…

24 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 4: Split fortunes as Atlantic storm divides fleet

A dramatic Atlantic storm stalled progress for some teams yesterday, widening the margin between the front and back of the fleet, and it is the boats to the south which…

23 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 3: Gulf Stream rodeo delivers more exhilarating progress for fleet

It has been another thrilling day in the Atlantic as 30 to 50 knot winds, plus an added push from the Gulf Stream, create truly exhilarating sailing conditions, epic surfs…

22 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 2: Atlantic Ocean delivers baptism of fire as wind shift provides challenge

The luxury of New York is now a fading memory after a wind shift in the Atlantic Ocean delivered an early challenge for the Clipper Race fleet. Team focus and…

21 Jun 2016

Race 12 Day 1: Drag race start for final ocean crossing of series

The Atlantic Homecoming Leg is underway and after the first twelve hours, just 5 nautical miles currently separate the first eleven teams in the Clipper 2015-16 Race’s final ocean crossing.…

10 Jun 2016

Race 11, Day 10: Mission Performance and PSP Logistics battle for finish

After a busy night of nine team arrivals, the NYC skyline still awaits Mission Performance, PSP Logistics and IchorCoal which are all still battling to complete the final few miles…

9 Jun 2016

Race 11 Day 9: Variable conditions guarantee nail biting finale

The closing stages of The LMAX Exchange – RACE of THE AMERICAS is turning into an incredibly tough finale. In contrast to the strong winds of Tropical Storm Colin, light,…

8 Jun 2016

Race 11, Day 8: Tropical Storm Colin Packs Punch for Fleet

Tropical Storm Colin blasted over the fleet, packing a little more punch than forecasted yesterday. Winds gusting 70 knots, and exhilarating surfing speeds into the high 20s, provided a thrilling…

7 Jun 2016

Race 11 Day 7: Fleet prepares for Tropical Storm Colin to hit as battle heats up

The battle between Garmin and ClipperTelemed+ has intensified at the top of the leaderboard, with ClipperTelemed+ now ahead by less than 7 nautical miles. However, a shakeup of the leaderboard…

6 Jun 2016

​Race 11 Day 6: Garmin maintains narrow lead over ClipperTelemed+ approaching Ocean Sprint

Garmin is holding a narrow 8 nautical mile lead over ClipperTelemed+ in the final 650 NMs of the race to New York on Day 6 of the LMAX Exchange –…

5 Jun 2016

​Race 11 Day 5: Garmin victorious at Scoring Gate, claiming three points

Garmin has taken the lead over former race leader ClipperTelemed+, as the intense fight to be first into New York continues on day 5 of the LMAX Exchange – RACE…

4 Jun 2016

Race 11, Day 4: Snakes and ladders style fortune shakes up Race 11 positions

The past 24 hours played out like a game of snakes and ladders for the Clipper Race fleet as tactics and a healthy roll of good or bad fortune through…

3 Jun 2016

​Race 11 Day 3: A busy day of evolutions and trimming in light airs

The last 24 hours has seen a trimming battle and lots of sail evolutions across the fleet as the teams fight to clear the Windward Passage in extremely light winds.…

20 May 2016

FIGHT TO FINISH IN PSP LOGISTICS PANAMA CUP

Day 21 in the PSP Logistics Panama Cup and Race 10 draws to a close after the Race Committee announced yesterday that the compulsory Remedios Gate would be the finish…

19 May 2016

Another ‘crazy’ day on the Clipper Race

Day 20 in the PSP Logistics Panama Cup and Race 10 appears to be slipping into slow motion as the leading teams tackle the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) –…

18 May 2016

Race 10 Day 19: 0.1 nautical mile between podium positions after 3000NM of racing

While the teams behind continue to chase the leaders, the PSP Logistics Panama Cup has once again got even tighter among the front four boats. With LMAX Exchange still in…

17 May 2016

Race 10 Day 18: Leaders feel the heat as fleet puts pressure on in PSP Logistics Panama Cup sweatfest

The scorching, calm tropics continue to test the nerves of the Clipper Race fleet, and leaders LMAX Exchange and ClipperTelemed+ are beginning to feel added heat from some of the…

16 May 2016

Race 10 Day 17: Battle for lead heats up between leaders LMAX Exchange and ClipperTelemed+

The battle for the lead position in The PSP Logistics Panama Cup is reaching boiling point in terms of both temperature and stakes. LMAX Exchange passed the second compulsory gate…

15 May 2016

Race 10 Day 16: Forecast squalls set to liven up the Doldrums

As the PSP Logistics Panama Cup continues, life in the Doldrums is frustrating the teams regardless of their position in the fleet, with one team covering as little as 35…

14 May 2016

Race 10: Day 15: Visit Seattle smash Ocean Sprint record for PSP Logistics Panama Cup

On a frustratingly hot, calm Friday 13th for most of the fleet, Visit Seattle had all the luck and smashed the Ocean Sprint record for Race 10: The PSP Logistics…

13 May 2016

Race 10 Day 14: IchorCoal sets time to beat in Ocean Sprint

Half of the fleet has completed the Ocean Sprint course with IchorCoal setting the fastest time so far of 14 hours 21 minutes, a mere 27 minutes faster than Qingdao…

11 May 2016

Race 10 Day 12: Teams work to escape the Doldrums’ grasp

The lead has shifted once again in the PSP Logistics Panama Cup with ClipperTelemed+ now in pole position followed by IchorCoal and Unicef . However, as the frontrunners approach the…

10 May 2016

Race 10 Day 11: Fluky winds forecast is next test for fleet

2000 nautical miles and eleven days into the PSP Logistics Panama Cup the frontrunners are rounding the tip of Cabo San Lucas with their eyes now firmly on the Ocean…

9 May 2016

Race 10 Day 10: Sprint for bonus points at Scoring Gate

As some teams search for stronger winds, the leading boats are within hours of passing through the Scoring Gate and snatching those vital bonus points. Unicef, ClipperTelemed+, LMAX Exchange and…

7 May 2016

Race 10 Day 8: Teams push hard ahead of light winds

Day 8 of the PSP Logistics Panama Cup and all the teams have been taking advantage of great downwind sailing under their spinnakers as temperatures rise and shorts are shaken…

6 May 2016

Race 10 Day 7: IchorCoal reaps reward from early gamble out west

For the first time in the PSP Logistics Panama Cup IchorCoal has taken the lead in this tenth race of fourteen in the global series. Several days ago, the South-African…

5 May 2016

Race 10 Day 6: Tack Exchange keeps teams busy in East Pacific Spaghetti Junction

Despite the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the possible options for the fleet in terms of inshore and offshore racing en route to Central America, the majority of the…

4 May 2016

Race 10 Day 5: ClipperTelemed+ catches fleet as wind fills in and racing tightens

Having avoided the wind hole that held the rest of the teams captive yesterday, ClipperTelemed+ made good speed and now finds itself back in the mix with the rest of…

3 May 2016

​Race 10 Day 4: Frustrations build as light airs descend on fleet

A pressure system approximately 100 miles off the Californian coast has the Clipper Race teams battling in light airs, as they search for every advantage with wind speeds dropping to…

30 Apr 2016

Race 10 Day 1: Race is on to Panama after Le Mans start

UPDATED at 1430 UTC ClipperTelemed+ commenced racing at 1050 UTC having completed the necessary repairs to the mast track and is now in pursuit of the fleet in the race…

16 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 27: Sleepless to Seattle

The Emerald City beckons for the remaining teams completing the Seattle Pacific Challenge. But with high pressure building over the coast there could be a sleepless night ahead (local time)…

15 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 26: Five teams still competing in Seattle Pacific Challenge

As the five teams still racing in the Seattle Pacific Challenge tick off the miles to the Emerald City, more moderate weather is allowing them to catch their breath for…

14 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 25: Pacific still has tricks up her sleeve as race finale plays out

The podium positions for Race 9, The Seattle Pacific Challenge are now confirmed. However this race is far from over for the remaining eight contenders who have plenty left to…

13 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 24: Pacific Ocean commands respect as teams overcome “horrendous” conditions

Seattle may be drawing ever closer but the Pacific Ocean’s power is unrelenting, making the final miles to the west coast of the USA an incredible final test of seamanship…

12 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 23: Unicef sets Ocean Sprint time to beat in dramatic day

With four teams having completed the Ocean Sprint, it is Unicef which has recorded the fastest time so far in a day of high winds and strong seas which proved…

11 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 22: Winds set to build as Ocean Sprint commences

The frontal weather system currently passing over the fleet has not been as strong as the last, but has provided another day of excellent mileage in the final push to…

10 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 21: Countdown to Seattle

The latest depression has the most westerly boats in its grip and is moving steadily east this morning in the closing week of the Seattle Pacific Challenge. The Race Office…

9 Apr 2016

RACE 9 DAY 20: FLEET RIDES RAILROAD TO SEATTLE

The Clipper Race fleet is experiencing the ‘North Pacific Railway’ right now, according to race Meteorologist Simon Rowell, with a regular timetable of low/ridge/low coming through. A ridge of high…

8 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 19: Wet and windy sleigh ride as teams hunt down leader Derry~Londonderry~Doire

Damp and gusty downwind conditions, with up to 50 knot peaks, are continuing to push the teams forward in the race to Seattle. With boat speeds in the high teens,…

7 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 18: Pressure mounts as teams battle for position

Derry~Londonderry~Doire continues to lead the way in the Seattle Pacific Challenge, with an 87 nautical mile lead over second placed Unicef . However the chasing pack hasn’t given up the…

6 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 17: Low front propels teams towards Seattle

The big anticipated front expected yesterday failed to materialise, but the next storm is now moving over the Clipper 70 fleet in the Seattle Pacific Challenge. Today’s front should have…

5 Apr 2016

​Race 9 Day 16: Teams travel in time as they cross International Date Line

The teams have been crossing the International Date Line and travelling back in time a day in the North Pacific Ocean. The Skippers have written about the significant milestone in…

4 Apr 2016

​Race 9 Day 15: Fast boat speeds with strong wind on the beam

Strong squalls have kept the teams busy in the cold temperatures as they change sail plans often to deal with the range of wind speeds. The wind has ranged between…

3 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 14: Teams pay tribute to Sarah Young

The teams have been paying tribute to lost crewmate Sarah Young, who was buried at sea at 1202 local time today after a ceremony on board IchorCoal. Whilst the ceremony…

2 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 13: A sombre day across the fleet

There is a sombre mood across the Clipper Race fleet today with Skippers reflecting on the tragedy aboard IchorCoal in their reports as they head east to Seattle. Speaking on…

1 Apr 2016

Race 9 Day 12: 50 knot gusts and white-knuckle helming as Pacific promise delivers

The North Pacific leg is always billed as ‘the big one’ and Skippers report this promise really delivered overnight as a short, sharp forecasted weather front came into force with…

31 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 11: Scoring Gate poses conundrum as low front moves in

The upcoming Scoring Gate is on the minds of the Skippers as they debate weather options and the routing implications for the next four days on the Seattle Pacific Challenge.…

30 Mar 2016

​Race 9 Day 10: Fleet heads east as it awaits next North Pacific low

After a day of strong headwinds and breaking seas, the fleet has been heading east to try and stay in the wind as long as possible while a high pressure…

29 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 9: ClipperTelemed+ takes lead as low brings strong headwinds

The low pressure system has shown the fleet what the mighty North Pacific is capable of, with the wind veering almost 180 degrees to the north and quickly picking up…

28 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 8: “We have seen it all weather wise the last 24 hours”

It has been another 24 hours of frustrating weather, with wind coming from all directions on the compass due to the low pressure that has formed over a small area…

27 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 7: Teams deal with ‘diabolical’ sea state after unforecast low

Unicef is the new race leader today having faced some very tricky conditions in the night following a new small low pressure system formed further south than forecast and left…

25 Mar 2016

​Race 9 Day 5: First taste of the North Pacific during an exhilarating night racing

The wind has eased off substantially after an exhilarating night of sailing with a steady 30 knots, and gusts of 50 knots as the teams had their first experience of…

24 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 4: Wind and sea state increases as teams pass southern Japan

The yachts have passed the first waypoint off the southern tip of Japan, and are now headed upwind north towards the Great Circle route in stronger northerly, north-north-easterly winds that…

23 Mar 2016

​Race 9 Day 3: Busy day of sail evolutions with wind shifts keeping teams on their toes

The wind and sea state has increased as the teams near the southern tip of Japan on day 3 of the Seattle Pacific Challenge. Over the last 24 hours, there…

22 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 2: Frustration and fishing nets in light airs

The fleet has had a frustrating 24 hours of light winds and trouble negotiating huge fishing nets in the Yellow Sea on day 2 of the Seattle Pacific Challenge. The…

21 Mar 2016

Race 9 Day 1: Light winds on day 1 of the Seattle Pacific Challenge Race

Following the Le Mans start from Qingdao in light winds and sun at 0100 UTC, 0900 local time today, the Clipper Race fleet is now headed in a south easterly…

12 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 14: More favourable winds for ClipperTelemed+ and Unicef on final approach

The two teams still at sea, ClipperTelemed+ and Unicef, are enjoying more favourable winds as they make their way to the finish line of Race 8: The Sailing City •…

11 Mar 2016

Race 8 Day 13: Relief from light winds forecast in final stages of The Sailing City • Qingdao Cup

The teams still at sea are contending with frustratingly light airs in the final stages of The Sailing City • Qingdao Cup. The freezing temperatures have delivered snow, but there…

10 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 12: Icy conditions as remaining teams beat upwind to Qingdao Race Finish

The countdown is on for the teams still racing and battling upwind in icy conditions to make it to Race Finish in Qingdao having come through the violent storm yesterday.…

9 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 11: Violent storm hits fleet with ‘extreme’ conditions and 70 knot gusting winds

It has been a tumultuous night, with the fleet experiencing a violent storm which delivered some of the worst conditions of the entire circumnavigation. Gusting winds of 70 to 80…

8 Mar 2016

Race 8 Day 10: Front moves over fleet as battle for leaderboard positions intensifies

A front is moving over the fleet, with north-easterly wind between 30 to 40 knots and a swell of three to four metres as the teams beat upwind in the…

7 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 9: Exhausting sailing with fickle wind, fog and fishing fleets

Wind holes, thick fog and enormous fishing fleets are making for very stressful racing for the teams as they make slow progress towards Qingdao on Day 9 of The Sailing…

6 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 8: Constant trimming and sail plan adjustments in light winds

It has been a day of mostly frustratingly light and unstable airs on The Sailing City • Qingdao Cup to China, with a dying breeze. Garmin, which was leading the…

5 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 7: Fleet faces light winds in Ocean Sprint challenge

The teams have been contending with light, fluky winds and squally rain clouds during the Ocean Sprint, but have had a boost from the strong Kuro Shio current. Garmin is…

4 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 6: Teams begin Ocean Sprint as wind and sea state decreases

The wind has eased and veered round to the east, pushing the yachts onto a more northerly heading as the leading teams start the Ocean Sprint section of the course.…

3 Mar 2016

Race 8 Day 5: “Worst seas of the entire Clipper 2015-16 Race so far”

It has been another 24 hours of challenging seas and strong winds with the worst sea state of the entire circumnavigation reported by new race leader Garmin. Former race leader…

2 Mar 2016

​Race 8 Day 4: North or east: Which route will pay off?

The strong winds and steep waves have eased off, but the fleet is still battling upwind on day 4 of The Sailing City • Qingdao Cup to China. The northerly…

1 Mar 2016

Race 8 Day 3:  Fleet “Blasting up waves the size of houses”

The fleet is enduring some difficult conditions with the wind increasing significantly, delivering speeds of up to 40 knots over the last 24 hours and short, sharp waves, making progress…

29 Feb 2016

Race 8 Day 2: Wind forecasted to strengthen

With the fleet on an easterly course currently headed towards Taiwan on the race to Qingdao, the wind is picking up and will continue to do so for the next…

28 Feb 2016

Race 8 Day 1: ‘Tam biet’ as Clipper Race fleet heads north-east for Qingdao

Following a spectacular departure ceremony in Da Nang yesterday, and a dramatic seascape start off the Vinpearl Beach Resort, Race 8 is on and the teams are focussed on The…

16 Feb 2016

Fleet closes in on Da Nang

Following the completion of the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, the teams are making best speeds to Da Nang in strong winds as the north-east monsoon approaches the…

15 Feb 2016

Derry~Londonderry ~Doire takes first win in Race 7: Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race

Following a challenging 27 day race in which crew faced a whole range of conditions, Derry~Londonderry~Doire has won the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, taking its first race…

14 Feb 2016

​Race 7 Day 26: Battle for positions intensifies as Race Finish draws close

The Race Finish line has been set and teams are into the final hours of the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race with positions still to be decided as…

13 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 25: Light winds allow chasing pack to make ground on leader

The Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race could be set for a tighter finish than appeared possible a few days ago, since the frontrunners have all got caught in…

12 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 24: Teams enjoy beat upwind towards Da Nang

As the fleet enters the final stages of the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, the teams continue towards various waypoints on the route, enjoying comfortable sailing conditions along…

11 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 23: “Clear skies” and “pleasant breeze” are welcome respite for fleet

With six days to go until the Clipper Race fleet arrives in Vietnam, the teams heading north are enjoying much easier upwind conditions which are forecast to continue for the…

10 Feb 2016

​Race 7 Day 22: Derry~Londonderry~ Doire claims Ocean Sprint bonus points

Leader of the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race Derry~Londonderry~Doire was the first through the Ocean Sprint course, setting a time of 14 hours 18 minutes, which has consequently…

9 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 21: Record speeds set as teams round southern waypoint

Strong winds in the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race have led to some thrilling racing conditions for the Clipper Race fleet, with teams recording speeds of over 32…

8 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 20: Teams turn corners as testing conditions continue

The New Moon signifies a new beginning and for many cultures, today represents a New Year. For some teams, turning the most southerly waypoint in the extended route of the…

7 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 19: Bucking bronco seas test fleet ten days from Da Nang

The Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race has continued at a fast pace. Derry~Londonderry~Doire maintains the fastest time across the Ocean Sprint, with eight teams now having completed the…

6 Feb 2016

​Race 7 Day 18: Winds gust up to 50 knots as teams face Sydney Hobart like conditions

Teams have been facing blustery conditions more reminiscent of the tough Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as winds hit 50 knots gusting and high surf speeds are reached on route…

4 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 16: Ocean Sprint start in sight for front runners

A swift turn around Amianan Island has seen half of the Clipper Race fleet gybe to the south-west as the teams head for the Ocean Sprint course and next waypoint…

3 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 15: “More oomph” forecast as fleet approaches waypoint

Passing to the north-east of the Philippines, the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race leader Derry~Londonderry~Doire is within 160 nautical miles of the next waypoint between the island of…

2 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 14: King Neptune returns as close match racing continues

For the first time since escaping the Solomon Sea Doldrums, the Clipper Race fleet is experiencing much drier conditions and smoother sailing, as it continues to head north-west towards the…

1 Feb 2016

Race 7 Day 13: Trade Winds ride continues in South Pacific

The Trade Winds ride continues to provide great mileage for the Clipper Race fleet as constant wind angles and speeds result in 10 to 12 knots boat speed under heavyweight…

31 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 12: “Stupendously stonking spinnaker runs” as Trade Winds continue to deliver

Day 12 has provided “stupendously stonking spinnaker runs” of up to 305 nautical miles covered in 24 hours, as the fleet powers on in the North Pacific Trade Winds. However,…

30 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 11: Trade Winds allow for High Speed Racing

The Clipper Race fleet is flying along in the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, with many boats averaging more than 120 nautical miles in the last 12 hours.…

29 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 10: Fleet hit by 50 knot gusts in tropics

As a low pressure front continues to develop over the fleet, the circulatory winds are increasing with gusts of up to 50 knots, as the front runners approach the halfway…

28 Jan 2016

​Race 7 Day 9: Teams adjust to life at an angle as winds strengthen

The Clipper Race crew is getting used to life at an angle again as steady winds and mixed weather fronts keep the teams on their toes with the need for…

27 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 8: Trade Winds power fleet after second Equator crossing

After days of taking a northerly route through Papua New Guinea, the fleet has finally reached a point where it can pick up the north-easterly Trade Winds which will ease…

26 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 7: GREAT Britain leads charge through Scoring Gate

The chase is on in the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race, with the Scoring Gate behind them, the next big focus for the teams is crossing the Equator…

25 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 6: Scoring Gate beckons as teams battle squall attacks

As the fleet passes New Ireland in Papua New Guinea, the leading four boats are within 80 nautical miles of the Scoring Gate and the chance to win the first…

24 Jan 2016

​Race 7 Day 5: Doldrums frustrations eased by much welcomed winds

A significant wind-shift from south to north, bringing with it decent breeze, has helped get the fleet moving again on a beat after progress came to a standstill yesterday for…

23 Jan 2016

Race 7 Day 4: Doldrums duels keep teams moving

The teams are trying everything to keep their boats moving as they negotiate the light, shifty winds of the Doldrums and its associated rain squalls in the Da Nang New…

22 Jan 2016

​Race 7 Day 3: Heat is on as the fleet nears Doldrums

GREAT Britain has taken the lead, making up ground on familiar rival Garmin in second position* after it had to carry out a repair to its spinnaker and peel to…

21 Jan 2016

​Race 7 Day 2: Tropical conditions as teams near the Doldrums

The teams have been contending with tropical squalls and patchy wind as they close in on the Doldrums in the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race. And the next…

20 Jan 2016

​Race 7 Day 1: Reef navigation decisions split fleet

The first 24 hours of the Da Nang New Discovery of Asia Race 7 has seen the teams split as they navigate the tactics of the Lihou Reef, with the…

9 Jan 2016

​RACE 6 DAY 7: FIGHT TO THE FINISH

The Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race has been a week-long ‘sprint’ of tight unrelenting match racing over 1600 nautical miles which is going down to the wire with GREAT…

8 Jan 2016

Race 6 Day 6: Close racing makes for nail biting finale

The Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race is shaping up to a tense and dramatic finish, as once again in the last 24 hours, the lead has changed hands. As…

7 Jan 2016

​Race 6 Day 5: Mission Performance claims Ocean Sprint bonus points

Mission Performance may have started the Ocean Sprint much later than anticipated after going to the aid of another vessel in distress, but the team has made up for lost…

6 Jan 2016

​Race 6 Day 4: Offshore tactics pay off as Derry~Londonderry~ Doire takes the lead

With eleven of the twelve strong Clipper Race fleet making the tactical decision to sail close to the eastern Australian coast, Derry~Londonderry~Doire’s plan to remain further offshore has seen the…

5 Jan 2016

Race 6 Day 3: Da Nang – Viet Nam leads charge into Ocean Sprint but drops into second place

The last 24 hours in the Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race have seen the fleet getting a bit of a battering from a developing low with unstable and unpredictable…

4 Jan 2016

Race 6 Day 2: GREAT Britain clinches three points at Scoring Gate

The fleet is flying along in Day 2 of Race 6: The Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race. The front runners are just over a thousand nautical miles from the…

3 Jan 2016

Race 6 Day 1: Split tactics as teams aim for extra points over positions

The New Year has brought a new determination to the Clipper Race fleet which, after a short stopover in Hobart, is back racing and charging across the Bass Strait in…

28 Dec 2015

Race 5 Day 2: Da Nang – Viet Nam holds onto lead as conditions calm

Da Nang - Viet Nam, led by Australian Skipper Wendy Tuck, has held its lead overnight, benefitting from stronger south westerly winds by being on the east side of the…

14 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 13: Final positions confirmed for Race 4: The Elliot Brown Timekeeper Cup

Due to the continuing light airs affecting ClipperTelemed+, PSP Logistics and most recently Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Da Nang - Viet Nam , the final positions for Race 4: The Elliot Brown…

13 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 12: Sydney plays hard to get for remaining five teams

In a final, cruel test to what has already been a punishing slog, the five teams still striving to reach Sydney are once again fighting headwinds and fickle airs in…

12 Dec 2015

Finish in sight as “toughest race so far” draws to conclusion

Following LMAX Exchange clinching the Race 4: Elliot Brown Timekeeper Cup title at 0801 UTC (1901 local) today , the finish line is truly now in sight as the remaining…

11 Dec 2015

​Race 4 Day 10: No margin for error as teams approach finish line

The heat is on as the Clipper Race fleet closes in on Sydney and the Elliot Brown Timekeeper Cup lives up to its name with the smallest of margins allowing…

10 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 9: Stealth Mode adds to Scoring Gate excitement

At 0007 UTC, the Elliot Brown Timekeeper Cup leader LMAX Exchange passed through the Scoring Gate and, pending verification by the Race Office, will collect three points for being the…

9 Dec 2015

​Race 4 Day 8: Tight at the top for front teams

It’s tight at the top of the Clipper Race fleet as the leading boats have rounded Great Mewstone, south of Tasmania, and entered the Tasman Sea in a quest to…

8 Dec 2015

Race 4 day 7: Shifting wind patterns shake up fleet

The Clipper Race fleet has Tasmania in its sights, as a shift in wind patterns has allowed the majority of teams to head due east, south of the island, where…

7 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 6: Closely fought inter-fleet battles excite teams

After six days of battling strong headwinds, the wind has finally backed and the Clipper Race fleet has swapped tacking for sail changes in a bid to make the most…

6 Dec 2015

​Race 4 Day 5: Teams jostle for position in challenging conditions

The constant headwinds and necessary tacking when battling against them may have slowed the fleet’s progress to Sydney, but in the last 24 hours the front runners have hit their…

5 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 4: LMAX Exchange sets Ocean Sprint time to beat

LMAX Exchange is reaping the rewards of its decision to enter Stealth Mode for 24 hours, as it has so far recorded the fastest Ocean Sprint time of the five…

4 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 3: Headwinds make progress uncomfortable in Ocean Sprint

The steady, downwind race is over and teams now find themselves living at an uncomfortable degree angle, beating into variable headwinds as they battle the frustrating conditions to select the…

3 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 2: All to race for as teams head into Ocean Sprint

Visit Seattle , in a southerly position, has taken the lead for the first time in its overall race campaign this morning*, and is now 4.3 nautical miles ahead of…

2 Dec 2015

Race 4 Day 1: Clipper Race off to exciting, close start as Sydney beckons

After an enjoyable battery charge in Amazing Albany, the Clipper Race fleet is tightly packed and heading south east in search of Sydney, with sunshine and light winds easing them…

26 Nov 2015

​Race 3 Day 26: Finish line beckons for final two teams

The Wardan Whip produced the tightest finish of the Clipper 2015-16 Race so far, when after twenty-five days and 4,850 nautical miles of racing Mission Performance and IchorCoal were neck…

24 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 24: Fight for final points

Breeze has picked up for the teams still racing and just 30 nautical miles now separate the front three yachts as they look to finish as strongly as possible and…

23 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 23: Plenty left to play for as stakes heat up for remaining teams

With podium places secured for LMAX Exchange and Derry~Londonderry~Doire (crossed finish line at 0932 UTC/ 1732 local) with Qingdao estimated to cross finish in approximately two hours, the competition continues…

22 Nov 2015

​Race 3 Day 22: LMAX Exchange on course to win Wardan Whip today

After 22 days of racing, LMAX Exchange is within 55 nautical miles of the Wardan Whip finish line and, with approximately 120 nautical miles separating it from second placed Qingdao…

20 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 20: Final approach gets complicated as leaders enter Stealth Mode

Competition is hotting up as the teams make their way out of the Southern Ocean chill and get ever closer to the warmth of Western Australia. Front three teams, LMAX…

19 Nov 2015

Race 3 day 19: Light winds frustrate front runners in approach to Albany

In complete contrast to the conditions the western half of the fleet faced 48 hours ago, the boats further east are now toying with tactics as pockets of light winds…

18 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 18: Teams brace against Southern Ocean Storm as Changeable Conditions set in

After a highly anticipated build up, the western half of the Clipper Race fleet braced against a ferocious Southern Ocean storm in the last 24 hours and has come out…

17 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 17: Stormforce winds catch up with western teams

Teams in the west are experiencing the toughest conditions today as a stormforce front, expected to gust up to 70 to 80 knots, catches up behind them. Teams in the…

16 Nov 2015

​Race 3 Day 16: Ocean Sprints commence and teams prepare for strong front

The sun is shining and life at sea has been brighter and steadier, however a powerful incoming front, likely the strongest experienced so far in this race with gusts forecast…

11 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 11: Mixed wind fortune as sleigh ride continues for lead half of fleet

Lighter winds slowed progress for some yesterday, but depending on their position in the spread out fleet, winds have now built again and the blustery sleigh ride is back on…

10 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 10: Race leaders claim Scoring Gate rewards

In the Wardan Whip’s first bonus opportunity, LMAX Exchange secured the maximum three points for being first across the Scoring Gate at 1625 UTC yesterday. Derry~Londonderry~Doire picked up two points…

9 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 9: Excitement for teams as Southern Ocean sleigh ride finally delivers

The wind has finally backed around and is allowing the Clipper Race fleet to get its first real taste of the Southern Ocean sleigh ride that teams have been craving…

8 Nov 2015

Race 3 Day 8: Front brings 50-knot gusts and short, sharp seas

An anticipated frontal system has brought strong gusting winds and building sea states, making for bouncy, wet living conditions yet a positive 12-hour run progress of more than 110 nautical…

26 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 19: Qingdao overtakes LMAX Exchange in final approach to Cape Town

The race to Cape Town is not over yet. After chasing its nearest competitor since Rio, Qingdao has overtaken LMAX Exchange, finding stronger winds and a better angle in the…

25 Oct 2015

​Race 2 day 18: Time expires for LMAX Exchange or Qingdao to claim a podium

The time has passed for either LMAX Exchange or Qingdao to claim a podium position in Race 2: The Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms. With both boats racing…

24 Oct 2015

​ Race 2 Day 17 Final 500 miles for LMAX Exchange and Qingdao

LMAX Exchange and Qingdao are sailing close hauled in the final 500 nautical miles to Cape Town, making good speed of 10.8 and 9.1 knots respectively on their very different…

23 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 16: Wind shifts keep remaining teams focused on finish

The four teams still racing are managing the wind shifts on the final push into Cape Town. Southerly boat Qingdao, which struggled with changeable winds yesterday, is now making 8.7…

20 Oct 2015

Race 2, Day 13: Stealth Mode suspense for Race fans

The Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms is set for an exciting finish, with frustrating winds and the wide use of Stealth Mode amongst the fleet leaving race fans…

19 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 12: High pressure system off Africa the next challenge

The high pressure system ahead of the fleet off South Africa is causing a tactical headache for the Skippers as they analyse the navigation and weather options for the approach…

18 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 11: Derry~Londonderry~Doire sets time to beat in Ocean Sprint

Four teams have completed the Ocean Sprint section of the course and are counting down the miles until the finish in Cape Town. All teams pushed hard with good average…

17 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 10: Front teams start Ocean Sprint test

Five teams are currently pushing hard across the Ocean Sprint after enjoying more challenging conditions in the Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms. Race leader Garmin, GREAT Britain (second),…

16 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 9: Speed records broken as teams tested by front

It has been a day of fast spinnaker sailing as the front passed over the fleet, with multiple teams breaking speed and distance records, including another new reported top speed…

15 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 8: Windy conditions provide exhilarating racing

The anticipated weather front will move over the fleet imminently, with the majority of teams already in winds of 30 to 40 knots, and still anticipating 50 knot gusts. Progress…

14 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 7: Gruelling conditions with 50 knot gusts predicted today

The majority of the fleet is making good progress in some fairly gruelling conditions, with strong winds and gusts around 50 knots predicted for the eastern group over the next…

13 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 6: Three teams cross the Scoring Gate

Three teams have crossed the Scoring Gate, following the fleet’s dilemma of whether to risk heading further south in pursuit of the bonus points. Derry~Londonderry~Doire crossed first at 0438UTC today,…

12 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 5: Strong winds forecasted for eastern teams

Some of the fleet have been experiencing a period of light winds, but strong conditions associated with the front appearing are due to fill in over the next 24 hours…

11 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 4: Complicated weather patterns ahead as teams decide on tactics

The weather is set to be complicated over the next few days, creating the first major transition area of the race, and some tactical dilemmas for the teams. The eastern…

10 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 3 Teams Toy with Scoring Gate Tactics

As the crew gradually settles into the life of ocean racing again, attention has now turned to the tactical decision of whether or not to go for the Scoring Gate…

9 Oct 2015

Race 2 Day 2: Crews acclimatise to tough conditions

As the crews continue to acclimatise to the tumultuous conditions in the South Atlantic Ocean, the strong winds are helping the fleet make steady progress towards Cape Town, with leader…

8 Oct 2015

​Race 2 Day 1: ‘A baptism of fire’ with fleet in strong winds and big waves

The Stormhoek Race to the Cape of Storms is underway with the fleet mostly in a tightly-bunched pack after 140 nautical miles and 14 hours of racing. Derry~Londonderry~Doire was first…

1 Oct 2015

​Race 1 Day 31 Atlantic Trade Winds Leg draws to a close

Race 1 has drawn to a close, with the final seven teams battling for final positions and leaderboard points in the Atlantic Trade Winds Leg off the Brazilian coast. After…

30 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 30 Final hours to Race Finish

As we have witnessed in Race 1, after racing more than 5000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean, and at times travelling at speeds of 20 plus knots, the conditions…

29 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 29 Fleet wary of Cabo Frio concertina

Despite there being seven boats still racing, it has been an anxious 24 hours for Clipper Race followers with up to four teams opting to activate Stealth Mode over the…

28 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 28 Stealth Mode employed in bid for sixth place

After 5600 nautical miles of racing, four teams made it to the Marina da Gloria yesterday within 14 hours of each other. Winners LMAX Exchange had to wait 36 hours…

27 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 27 Sprint Finish for Final Podium Position

At 0433 UTC (0133 local time) Qingdao crossed the finish line at Rio de Janeiro after 27 days of racing across the Atlantic Ocean, claiming second place behind LMAX Exchange…

26 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 26 AS LMAX EXCHANGE WINS RACE TO RIO, OCEAN SPRINT BATTLE HEATS UP

First to cross the finish line in the Atlantic Trade Winds Race to Rio was LMAX Exchange at 1718 UTC yesterday, having led the Clipper Race fleet for most of…

25 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 25: Fast sailing to Race and Sprint Finish Lines

As of 1000 UTC, Race 1 leader LMAX Exchange is only 36 nautical miles from the finish line. Sailing at an average of 7.5 knots speed over ground it is…

24 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 24: GARMIN GOES UNDER THE RADAR IN RIO APPROACH

The fleet has cleared the Doldrums Corridor and is charging down the eastern coast of South America at a speed of 9 to12 knots. Visit Seattle became the sixth team…

23 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 23: Close racing between Derry ~ Londonderry ~ Doire and GREAT Britain

All of the fleet is making decent progress now, with the northerly boats out of the Doldrums, and the southerly boats at the front of the pack beating upwind. The…

22 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 22: Ocean Sprint pushes teams

Qingdao, Derry~Londonderry~Doire, GREAT Britain and Garmin are all in the Ocean Sprint phase of the course, headed south in steady south-easterly Trade Winds. The teams are focused on careful trimming…

21 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 21: Mixed fortunes across the fleet as conditions vary

The countdown to Rio has begun for the frontrunners, as they beat upwind in good southerly Trade Winds. The distance to finish is 1000 nautical miles for leader LMAX Exchange,…

20 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 20:  Ocean Sprint next challenge for teams

More ceremonies with King Neptune have been taking place as the leading pack crosses the Equator. Garmin, Derry~Londonderry~Doire, GREAT Britain and Qingdao have all crossed into the Southern Hemisphere. The…

19 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 19: Equator crossing ceremony for LMAX Exchange

Race leader LMAX Exchange crossed the Equator yesterday afternoon local time, with the crew in a special ceremony in the court of King Neptune as they crossed the line marking…

18 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 18: Tropical Depression 9 brings strong winds for frontrunners

Tropical Depression 9 has been sucking the south-east Trade Winds from the South Atlantic High across the Equator, giving some of the frontrunners unexpectedly strong southerly winds in the Doldrums…

17 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 17: Unicef chases Mission Performance through the Cape Verde Islands

Unicef, in tenth place, and Mission Performance in ninth, have been involved in a high drama battle yesterday and through the night. At midday, Mission Performance became visible to Unicef,…

16 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 16: Crews grapple with unsettled conditions and routing tactics

It’s been another day of unsettled tropical weather as the front-runners enter the Doldrums Corridor, and the chasing pack rounds the Cape Verde Islands. In the front half of the…

15 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 15: Qingdao and Garmin duel again

All eyes are on the skies as the teams monitor the clouds for squall activity, gusts, strong winds and thunder and lightning in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Meticulous…

14 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 14: Tropical weather tests teams as the Doldrums await

The teams are studying weather files carefully as they approach the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), known as the Doldrums amongst sailors, and the Doldrums Corridor. The ITCZ is a…

13 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 13: Squall activity high as leaders approach the Doldrums

The conditions at the front of the fleet have become more tropical with lots of squall activity as the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), known as the Doldrums amongst sailors,…

12 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 12: Battle for remaining Scoring Gate points continues

GREAT Britain and Derry~Londonderry~Doire are fighting for the remaining Scoring Gate points, following race leader LMAX Exchange winning the maximum three points last night when it crossed the line first.…

11 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 11: Competition heats up as fleet approaches Scoring Gate

Race leader LMAX Exchange is set to cross the Scoring Gate this afternoon and claim the maximum three bonus points on offer. GREAT Britain, in second place, and Derry~Londonderry~Doire, in…

10 Sep 2015

​Race 1 Day 10: Steady progress as fleet reaches Trade Winds

Progress has been steady overnight as all the teams have found reasonable wind after several days of very light airs for many of the yachts. Garmin and Qingdao , which…

9 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 9: Leaderboard changes as Canary Islands tactics test teams

The leaderboard has seen some considerable changes overnight, as the teams make their tactical decisions on whether to pass between the Canary Islands and take more of an inshore route,…

8 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 8: Lmax Exchange finds steady Trade Winds

LMAX Exchange Skipper Olivier Cardin’s decision to stay east and keep heading south is paying off, as the yacht has now reached the steady Trade Winds, making 8.6 knots north…

6 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 6: A difficult and emotional 24 hours across the fleet

It’s been a difficult and emotional 24 hours across the fleet. The team of IchorCoal is now safely ashore in Porto, northern Portugal, where they were met by a Clipper…

4 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 4: LMAX Exchange widens lead as fleet heads south through Cape Finisterre’s acceleration zone

Some variable winds yesterday have built this morning and 20 knots, gusting to 35 knots of wind, is ensuring the fleet continues to make good racing progress. The teams are…

3 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 3: ​Wind fills in as fleet escapes Ushant and makes good speed towards Cape Finisterre

After an agonising day of drifting back further than they went forward at one stage, the latter half of the fleet; namely Unicef , Da Nang-Viet Nam, IchorCoal, Visit Seattle,…

2 Sep 2015

Race 1 Day 2: Light winds off Ushant grip half the fleet after fast start

The race to get to the Bay of Biscay and out into the Atlantic was on last night as teams chased each other with good boat speed. However overnight light…