Clipper Race fleet departs Singapore preparing to ‘fly’ to Qingdao
It was a dramatic start to Race 9 for the 12-strong Clipper Race fleet who left One15 Marina, Sentosa Cove Singapore yesterday ahead of the 2,500 mile race to Qingdao, China.
After a delayed Le Mans start due to the lack of wind and fading daylight yesterday the fleet set off at 0730 local time this morning (2330 UTC).The Scottish entry, Old Pulteney took an early lead in the race north to the Olympic Sailing City of Qingdao.
This notoriously tough 2,500 mile race will see temperatures plunge from the tropics to sub-zero conditions as the fleet beats into biting winter headwinds. Exceptionally choppy seas are anticipated off Taiwan due to the ’wind over tide’ effect created between northerly winds over the notorious Black Snake current.
“Off the coast of Taiwan, a lot of the time these boats are going to be airborne,” race director Justin Taylor told the crew at their pre-race brief. “It’ll be unpleasant for a couple of days, certainly. The race from Singapore to China is one of extremes. The heat below decks will be difficult to cope with in the early stages. Taiwan, and the entrance to the Yellow Sea, marks the change to colder conditions as the fleet meets challenging headwinds that provide the most extreme conditions of the race.”
Jamaica Get All Right was forced to retire from Race 9 this morning after the forestay bottle screw fitting failed. Jamaica Get All Right is now motor-sailing to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and is due to arrive in four days time to receive a new fitting. Best effort will be made to repair the boat and turn her around as quickly as possible and the team will then make best speed for Qingdao immediately.
