Derry–Londonderry–Doire Ready For Clipper Race Leg Across Southern Ocean

31st October 2015

Derry~Londonderry~Doire at Clipper Race start of Leg 3 in Cape Town

The Derry~Londonderry~Doire team is in a strong position sitting at the top of the Overall Race Standings as it starts the third leg of the 14-race global series in the latest Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Derry~Londonderry~Doire made an energetic start from Cape Town in the 4845 nautical mile Southern Ocean crossing to Western Australia, named by host port Albany the ‘Wardan Whip’ - inspired by the traditional Noongar language which means ‘ocean of southern winds’.

“Many sailors see this leg as one of the biggest challenges of the race,” said Justin Taylor, Race Director. “The conditions are massively testing and those who get it right will see exactly what the Clipper Race yachts are made of, surfing at more than 25 knots on swells bigger than buildings.”

The fleet paraded out into Table Bay following a colourful departure ceremony from the V&A Waterfront. There was a stiff 20 knots of breeze from the south out on the start line with stronger gusts over 35 knots.

First over the line was Qingdao followed by LMAX Exchange and Visit Seattle in hot pursuit. They headed inshore towards the first mark at Paarden Eiland at which point Derry~Londonderry~Doire was first round the mark, before turning north up the bay to the Milnerton mark. From here it was back out to sea and the critical tactical decision on how far out to go to avoid becoming becalmed in the lee of Table Mountain.

Derry~Londonderry~Doire is leading the overall race along with GREAT Britain. The two teams have finished within minutes of each other in the first two races to Brazil and South Africa and both have 23 points. Before departing Cape Town Skipper Daniel Smith said: “I’m really excited. We have got the boat ready to go and we are looking forward to getting out sailing again. It’s been lovely in Cape Town and we’ve had some good rest and relaxation but we are keen to get going and do some exciting sailing.

“For me heading into the Southern Ocean is a bit of a treat because I haven’t been there before,” said the 32 year old Scot. “I’m looking forward to some windy conditions and some bigger waves which should make the boat go quite fast as well. This is known to be one of the bigger, more exciting legs but I think generally the crew is looking forward to it and feels ready for it.

“We found that Race 2 from Rio to Cape Town was a little bit breezier than we expected and we went quite far south, so as a team we have experienced some windy conditions and big waves as well. That should be good training for everyone. In actual fact it looks like it’s going to be breezey on the nose to begin with so it will probably be quite a bumpy start to the race but we’ve had that a couple of times now so fingers crossed we are ready for it.

“We are looking forward to seeing some interesting wildlife, nice skies at night and top speeds,” Daniel continued.

Race Director Justin Taylor added: “At the start of this race the crews will pass under the first of the World’s great capes, The Cape of Good Hope. At the end of the race they will pass under the second great cape of Leeuwin in Western Australia.”

The estimated arrival window into Albany is between 22 and 26 November.

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.