Fleet battle for final podium in world’s longest ocean race

    With just three days until the world’s longest ocean race concludes in Southampton, the ten strong fleet of racing yachts taking part in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race face a tightly packed finish, as the teams fight it out for the final podium position.

    Over the last 24 hours it’s all change at the top of the leader board. After a tricky start to Race 15, Welcome to Yorkshire has redeemed itself and is now in first place. Hot on its heels is De Lage Landen and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital respectively. Current first place in the overall race, Gold Coast Australia, shocked everyone by slipping into tenth place at one stage; the determined team are currently in seventh place.

    While light winds continue to challenge the fleet’s progress, Olly Osborne, skipper of the Finnish entry Visit Finland describes the tactical race that lies ahead of the fleet, “It looks like this race is going to become a very tactical light airs challenge, and with such variable conditions and tidal gates ahead, we still have a chance to enter our home waters at the front of the pack.”

    The Clipper Race fleet will arrive in Southampton this Sunday 22 July to a huge celebration after 51 weeks of ocean racing and completing the world’s longest ocean race. Over 500 people from all walks of life will be celebrating their remarkable achievement after nearly twelve months at sea.