London Calling

The twelve-strong fleet of Clipper 70 ocean racers are now on their way to London ahead of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race Start at St Katharine Docks on Sunday 1 September.

“It has been another day of extreme activity on board,” reveals PSP Logistics skipper, Chris Hollis.

“Despite the severe lack of wind, spirits are high as the crew and myself get to know our race boat and home for the next year. The stowage plan is finally coming along.

“Three months of food, stores and people is quite difficult to stow on a 70-foot sailing boat!”

The fleet will arrive at St Katharine Dock this Friday afternoon, ahead of the Race Village’s official opening on Saturday 24 August. Just in time for Bank Holiday weekend.

Starting from Saturday 24 August, a number of the Clipper 70 yachts will be open for free boat tours. Between 11:00 and 18:00 each day until Saturday 31 August, people will be given a rare chance to step on board one of the ocean racers.

“We have all been enjoying the uninterrupted sunshine, but have been frustrated a little by the very light airs,” comments Simon Talbot, skipper of the GREAT Britain entry.

“The crew have continued to hone their skills with reefing and headsail changing practice, meaning that we found ourselves at one point with a deep reefed mainsail, and a number three Yankee headsail in just three knots of breeze!

“We are now on our way to London, the excitement on board is building and the crew are gelling well. The enormity of our undertaking is really starting to come home to all. Bring it on!”