Race Director's Report
Race 12: New York, USA to Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland

The chance to parade past the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour on a yacht is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people, and the Clipper Race crews took full advantage of this. From my vantage point on a spectator boat the sight of the fleet in line astern formation approaching the Statue with the Manhattan skyline in the background was breath-taking.

I have always viewed this race as two-in-one. The first race is almost due east for 1200 nautical miles to the south-eastern corner of the ‘ice-box’. The route must take into consideration the proliferation of icebergs that might be encountered. Ice brought down south by the Labrador Current is a very real threat to the yachts. The ice box kept the fleet out of any danger posed by it, but it did add a few miles to the overall course as the fleet was not able to sail the great circle route from New Jersey to Derry-Londonderry.

The position of North Atlantic High made things extremely tactical. The ideal route would have been to cut the corner of the ice box, which of course the yachts were not allowed to do. This meant that they had to squeeze between its edge and the looming high pressure with its fickle winds. It became clear that the front runners would make it through whilst the others would start to feel the slowing effects of the expanding high pressure. Once through, it became a drag race to the finish where the teams made such good speed that a course extension needed to be made up to Rockall and back around Rathlin Island.

Derry~Londonderry~Doire had led this race for a long time with LMAX Exchange snapping at its heels. The extreme tides around Rathlin Island became Derry~Londonderry~Doire’s undoing as LMAX Exchange managed to slip through and claim first place, with Derry~Londonderry~Doire second and ClipperTelemed+ snatching another podium finish in third.