Clipper Race departs Rio de Janeiro for Cape Town

Race 3 started off the Brazilian coast, in a 3,390 mile South Atlantic challenge to Cape Town, South Africa. Old Pulteney, crossed the line first ahead of Derry~Londonderry~Doire, closely followed by PSP Logistics, in freshening wind conditions.  

However it was Henri Lloyd that progressed from fifth across the line, to pass first round the windward mark with Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Old Pulteney in hot pursuit.

The fleet departed in glorious sunshine and climbing temperatures today from the Rio 2016 Olympic sailing venue, Marina da Gloria. They headed out past the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, before parading past the picturesque beachfronts at Copacabana and Ipanema. As they reached Leblon, the fleet turned South East where they will continue for several days before moving East under the South Atlantic high.

Commenting on the Race Start conditions, Race Director Justin Taylor said: “The fleet experienced perfect conditions as the wind direction moved from a South Westerly to a South Easterly direction, just ahead of the Race Start. The fleet raced out of Guanabara Bay, in freshening South Easterly winds with close to 20knots on the South side as they approached the first rounding mark, on Copacabana beach.”  

Right before the race started, Old Pulteney skipper, Patrick van der Zijden, said: “We need to improve our race standings so have to set our bar higher and sail faster in this race. More concentration is needed if we want to finish in the top half in Cape Town.

The fleet is due into Cape Town, between 26-28 October and will be berthed at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.