With the countdown well and truly on to the finish of race 14 of the Clipper Roung the World Yacht Race, the Derry “LondonDerry” Doire his holding on to its lead – which has been reduced to just under 15 miles.
Due to the challenging weather patterns hampering some of the fleet’s progress, the Race Office has announced the race will have a time limit applied. announced the race to Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland will have a time limit applied.
As a result, the teams are now carefully analysing tactics to put their yachts in the best position by 1.00pm (Irish time) when distance to finish at that time will be used to award places and enable boats to make best speed to Derry by motor-sail.
Sean McCarter.
The first boat is expected to arrive in Derry mid-morning on Monday with the remainder of the fleet due on the Foyle by the afternoon of Tuesday.
Sean McCarter, skipper of Derry Clipper, explained the decision which has saw its lead massively reduced.
He said: “On receiving our daily instalment of weather information yesterday morning, it was immediately apparent that an important decision was needed.
“We could either continue with our plan of sailing into the high until the breeze dropped and tack south to start a long slow beat under it.
“After going over the routing for both options, we decided that heading north would mean sailing less miles on faster angles whilst dodging the light patches on the west coast that are also hindered by tides.
“The unfortunate part was that we would have to sacrifice a large portion of our lead to reposition ourselves for the new strategy.
“The hope is to gain some of this back in a day or two as we pick up a more favourable heading before the chasing pack. Only time will tell.”
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