PSP Logistics keeps Clipper Race lead in spite of medevac setback

(March 22, 2014) – PSP Logistics has managed to hold on to its early Race 10 lead after its first 48 hours of racing, despite an eight hour diversion to medevac an injured crew member. In its 12:50 UTC schedule (PSP Logistics’ race start time, from which its daily elapsed time is based on), it remained 50 miles ahead in comparison to the rest of the fleet at the same position in the race.

The other 11 teams started the 5,600 mile leg Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race from Qingdao, China to San Francisco, USA on March 16. PSP Logistics did not start the leg until March 19, a result of their late arrival into China due to several setbacks.

In direct contrast to the gales that provided fast sailing conditions yesterday, wind died down to just 3 to 5 knots overnight and a confused, lumpy sea state left behind by the low pressure system that has now passed over the fleet is now producing slow progress for the teams.

GREAT Britain skipper Simon Talbot, who currently leads the main fleet pack, ahead of Derry~Londonderry, Qingdao and OneDLL, explained his worry in the current situation: “We just managed to cling onto the lead overnight but I fear our current predicament, firmly in the grips of a wind hole, may well see some of the yachts positioned farthest from us making gains as they either avoid the hole, or spend less time in it.”

The eleven yachts in the main fleet pack have now reached the end of the Black Snake Current which follows north up the Japanese coastline. Henri Lloyd skipper Eric Holden noted: “Last night we passed through the island chain south of Tokyo, and now it feels like we are pushing out into the Pacific properly, and thus starting the real ocean phase of this race. The last of land has been sighted for the next 4,500 miles.”

Jamaica Get All Right is currently making best speed to Yokohama, Japan to medevac crew member Mick Wood who reported chest and arm pains following a chest infection. Skipper Pete Stirling made the decision on precaution after consultation with Praxes healthcare team. Once the crew member is safely transferred, the yacht will return to the place it stopped racing and resume its campaign.

While the wind holes and challenging sea states cause anxiety for skippers as they endeavour to retain or gain race positions, teams are using the weather breaks to take stock and make small repairs after yesterday’s challenges, in preparation of whatever may lie ahead next in the North Pacific.

To read all the skipper reports click here.

To track the fleet’s progress on the official Race Viewer click here

All twelve teams are expected in San Francisco between 8-12 April, subject to prevailing conditions. The fleet will be berthed at South Beach Yacht Club until 19 April, the start of Race 11 to the Panama Canal.

Background:
The 40,000 mile Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race began in London, UK on September 1 for the fleet of twelve identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s. The race route includes Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Cape Town, South Africa; Albany, Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane, Australia; Singapore; Qingdao, China; San Francisco, USA; Panama; Jamaica; New York, USA; Derry-Londonderry, Ireland; and Den Helder, Netherlands before returning to London in July. Race website: http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com