Hull & Humber takes line honours in Race 3 – minutes ahead of New York - Media

Hull & Humber takes line honours in Race 3 – minutes ahead of New York

16 November 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 November 2007
0200 GMT Durban, South Africa

After 23 days and 4,200 miles of thrilling ocean racing, line honours in Race 3 of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race go to Hull & Humber. They crossed the line just six minutes ahead of New York with whom they’ve been jockeying for position for the last five days.

For Hull & Humber, being first across the line at 23.08 GMT (01.08 local time) is a remarkable achievement following events early on in this race. Two days after leaving Salvador the yacht had to turn back towards Brazil for a medical evacuation of one of their crew members. Skipper Danny Watson and his crew lost about 200 nautical miles on the rest of the fleet during the operation and used all their skill and expertise to bring themselves right back into contention.

Danny says, “It’s fab to be back in Durban. It’s been a long journey. It all went really well after the medivac, we had a great run and it’s been about ten days’ worth of hard work. New York got away with about 40 to 50 miles to go and we got back in contact and had a little jaunt in the last run in, so we’re really happy to be in first.”

Although first across the line in Durban, Hull & Humber have not won the race as the Race Committee had imposed a four-hour penalty for using their motor during the medivac. That honour goes to New York and as they tuck into breakfast at the Royal Natal Yacht Club, the English boat must now hope Liverpool 08 and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper cross the line at least four hours later them in order to hang on to a podium position.

New York’s victory in this race marks a spectacular turn around in fortunes, the team having finished eighth and ninth in the first two races of Clipper 07-08, and is testament to the skill and leadership of skipper Duggie Gillespie, who took over at the helm of New York in Salvador. With only a few days to get to know his team and get the yacht ready for this race he has pulled them together into a winning combination.

Duggie says, “I’m really chuffed, and not for me, for the team. We had a few things to sort out and we did that and we progressed and we learned. You should have seen the last three days – it was amazing. It ramped up in confidence and abilities racing against another boat.”

Sam Willis, 17, the crew member who was evacuated was on the pontoon in Durban to take Hull & Humber’s lines. He says, “It’s great to see everyone. I can’t wait to get back on board and get racing with them again.”

Sam will have to wait until Sunday 25 November for the start of Leg 3 from Durban to Fremantle, Western Australia. Until then, he and the rest of the crews from the ten international city-sponsored yachts will be enjoying all the hospitality the Durban, Africa’s Zulu Kingdom’s bewitching seaside playground, has to offer.

The teams received a traditional Zulu welcome in the race village in Durban Marina.

His Worship the Mayor of Durban, Councillor Obed Mlaba, says, “On behalf of the City of Durban, South Africa, I offer a warm welcome to the crew, race organisers, accompanying officials, friends and family of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race. We are privileged to be participating in this global event and are proud to be represented by our boat and crew of Durban 2010 and Beyond.

“It is fitting that the fleet should arrive in Durban during the period that we are hosting the FIFA delegation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup Preliminary Draw. Both events play vital roles in strengthening Durban’s position as ‘Africa’s premier sporting and events capital’. We have prepared the marina for your arrival and I have been assured that the city has catered for your every need while you are in our city. May you enjoy Durban’s hospitality, warm weather, cuisine and culture during your ten-day stopover.

“We wish you fair winds and a bon voyage when you leave our shores on 25 November on your way to Fremantle, Australia.”

This is the sixth edition of the Clipper Race and the fourth time the fleet has visited Durban.

The rest of the yachts are still racing towards Durban, Liverpool 08 and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper slogging it out for the remaining podium position and likely to arrive at daybreak (approximately 03.00 GMT, 05.00 local time) this morning, and Qingdao and the home favourite, Durban 2010 and Beyond locked in their own private battle for fifth and sixth place.

By Saturday the entire Clipper fleet, including the remaining yachts, Uniquely Singapore, westernaustralia2011.com, Jamaica and Nova Scotia is expected to be moored in Durban Marina where they are being hosted by Point Yacht Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club.

Berths for the next race, Clipper 09-10 are now available. For more information on applying to become a crew member, contact Clipper Ventures on +44 (0)2392 526000 or email David Cusworth, Clipper Crew Recruitment Manager at

ENDS/

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is 35,000 miles long and will finish in Liverpool on 5 July 2008 as part of the city’s European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.

Clipper 07-08 route:
Liverpool - La Rochelle – Salvador da Bahia – Durban – Fremantle – Singapore –
Qingdao – Hawaii – Santa Cruz – Panama – Jamaica – New York – Nova Scotia – Cork – Liverpool

High-resolution images of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race are available for free media use at: http://www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0708_race/

For media information, interviews or photographs, please contact:

Heather Ewing, Communications Coordinator: Mobile in Durban: +27 (0) 7977 54639
Email:

or

Zoe Williamson, Communications Coordinator Tel: +44 (0) 2392 526000
Mobile in UK: +44 (0) 7793 417751 Email:

For further information about Clipper 07-08 and to register for daily media updates log on to: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com