ALL'S FAIR IN SAILING AND SUSHI
TODAY's movement amongst the fleet just goes to show what a difficult job the Clipper crews and skippers have. Whilst London Clipper's northerly position appeared quite strong yesterday.
Hong Kong Clipper stretched their lead to 40 miles. A nice safety net to have, but Justin Taylor and his team will certainly not be resting on their laurels just yet.
Conditions with the fleet have been very unsettled over the past 24 hours with wind strengths varying greatly and the fleet may well encounter one more storm before they arrive in Japan. Race positions are likely to be decided on where each boat is when the weather catches up, and on when they tack on the headers it brings.
Bristol Clipper's crew will be sailing with big smiles on their faces as they played the weather well and slotted neatly into second place.
Liverpool Clipper has followed and lies in third place. Adam Kyffin is obviously looking forward to getting to Japan, with reports of the cold conditions coming in. Sail changes are now less than popular with his foredeck team as instead of getting a balmy shower as per the Atlantic, they are treated to a feeling similar to icicles shooting down your neck - not pleasant!
The highest daily run came from Jersey Clipper, now in fourth. The wind conditions have turned lighter over the last 24 hours, and have also veered easterly. This has been particularly good for Simon Rowell and his crew as they have been able to reach north gaining not only a better position but also sailing faster than their competition. Frustrations will have no doubt been put aside as another pennant comes within the crew's grasp.
Skippers and crew of both London and Glasgow will be reeling from this recent turn of events - losing 53 miles and 18 miles respectively.
New York and Cape Town remain at the back of the fleet, but an avid band of followers will have noticed that they too have gained on the frontrunners.
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