Benchmark Time confirmed for Tea Clipper Route

The World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) has confirmed the establishment of a new benchmark time for the 5,495 nm course from San Francisco to Shanghai. Giovanni Soldini (ITA) and eight crew sailed the Volvo Ocean 70 Maserati on May 10-31 to set a time of 21 days 19 hours 31 minutes and 15 seconds (10.49 kts avg. speed). In 1853, well prior to WSSRC ratification, Capt Charles Collins in the clipper “Swordfish” established the fastest voyage of the Tea Clipper route at 32 days and 9 hours.