Race 2, Day 24: The Derry “LondonDerry” Doire is almost half way between Recife and Salvador, “powering south” towards Brazil, skipper Sean McCarter reports.
The Derry Clipper has finished the 300 mile Ocean Sprint (a race within a race) and is awaiting its time. The Henri Lloyd has set the benchmark so far with a time of 29 hours 55 minutes, beating Qingdao’s time of 30 hours 42 minutes. The overall winner – which will collect two bonus points – will not be known until the entire fleet completes the sprint.
Meanwhile, the Derry entry is travelling at between 10 to 12 knots and enjoying favourable wind speed.
And skipper Sean McCarter reports a “little of the south-going Brazilian” current is helping them along towards Rio.
He added: “I think it’s fair to say everyone aboard is ready for their first Caipirinhas (traditional Brazilian drink). I can tell by the continued increase in trimming and general focus on speed towards the finish!
“As it stands, we still have Henri Lloyd slightly ahead and to our west and OneDLL, fresh out of Stealth Mode, about 30 miles ahead. Although looking to protect the 70-mile lead from Old Pulteney, and GREAT Britain, we are also looking forward to what will be quite a tactical finish. It looks like the wind will continue to back tomorrow, allowing us to fly asymmetrics again.”
