The eleven-strong fleet got underway to start the Clipper 2023-24 Race, with the 13th edition beginning in light conditions and the Solent’s strong tidal flow offering a challenging first day for this round the world race.
“After a short course in the Solent, the fleet headed east around the Isle of Wight and into the English Channel where they will find stronger south easterly breezes to carry them through towards the north west tip of France and down across Biscay,” noted Clipper Race Director Mark Light.
As the fleet heads south into the English Channel, they can expect the easterlies to build giving some fantastic spinnaker runs down to Ushant,” noted Dale Smyth, Deputy Race Director. “From there things will get a little more complicated with a low pressure approaching from the South, causing a big transition into more upwind sailing for the fleet.
“How the fleet change gears into this new weather could determine the leaderboard. As it stands, the Bay of Biscay looks to offer some light easterly winds and depending on how fast the fleet cross this area, will determine how far south they get before the headwinds arrive.”
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.
The course is divided into 8 legs divided into individual races, with some of the crew in for the entire circumnavigation while others will do individual legs. The team having the best cumulative score over the entire course will win the Clipper Race Trophy.
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