Race 5 Day 4: Calm before the storm as low pressure gets set to engulf fleet

Back to archive

With gusts over up to 60 knots expected to batter the fleet within the next 24 to 48 hours, the skippers have been busy preparing their teams - ready for action as the race to Sydney continues.

Meteorologist and winning skipper of the Clipper Race in 2000, Simon Rowell, has been briefing the skippers on what they can expect from the impending low pressure system.

“The western yachts will probably be seeing the front around now so it should get to all of you over the next 18 to 24 hours.  This is good news, as it won't be at its peak intensity until it's passed over you.  The 60 knot gusts are still forecast, and I reckon it'll go more than that, but I hope that these will occur after it's gone through.  However, the further east you are the stronger it will be when it reaches you.”

With just three miles currently separating the leaders of the pack, OneDLL, Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Henri Lloyd respectively, the next 24 to 48 hours could prove crucial to the positions within Race 5. In other news It was a tough 24 hours of racing for the Scottish entry Old Pulteney which relinquished fourth place to the resolute determination of the Chinese entry, Qingdao.

Late starters in Race 5 GREAT Britain and PSP Logistics remain upbeat and continue to make steady progress. With an impending high pressure expected to hit the front of the fleet in the coming days, skipper of GREAT Britain, Simon Talbot is hoping to take full advantage.

“The interesting part may well be once we have rounded Tasmania, as currently there is forecast to be a rather slow moving high pressure system hanging around there which could hinder either the front runners or ourselves. We are obviously hoping for the former as it may give us the opportunity to catch up with them and at least not be too far behind by the time we get to Sydney, so here is hoping!”

To keep up to date with the latest news on the race click here

To read all the skipper blogs click here