Clipper Race Sails out of New York

New York - The Clipper Race fleet slipped their moorings in New York yesterday, sailing into the Hudson River for the 570 mile sprint to Halifax. The crews prepared their boats for the race in light drizzle, while bidding farewell to their supporters in Lower Manhattan.

New York City Sports Commissioner, Ken Podziba, had this to say about the Clipper Race stopover: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Clipper’s enthusiastic and energetic skippers and crews to New York City. Their adrenaline rush from the sea carried with them to shore, and I wish each of them continued success as they head to Halifax.”

The Clipper Race fleet performed a formation sail past New York's most famous landmark, the Statue of Liberty, before heading to Ambrose Light for the Le Mans start. The signal at 2130 GMT (1730 local time) from lead skipper Danny Watson on Hull & Humber got race 12 underway as each team rushed to get their headsail hoisted and trimmed ahead of the others. Watson said, “It was a rather slow start and ten minutes after we got underway the wind dropped. All the teams chose a variety of different sail plans and have slowly scattered in various directions.”

The skippers and crews will need to keep very focused for the next couple of days, as any mistake could prove costly with such a short race to Nova Scotia. Race Director Joff Bailey, said, “With the overall leader board being so competitive I think we will see some very close and exciting racing on the way to Halifax. As the water gets cooler the yachts will experience some fog and mist but they can be assured that even if the air and water is cold they will receive a warm welcome when they arrive in Nova Scotia.”

The Clipper Race fleet is due to arrive in Halifax this weekend where they will congregate at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron before parading in formation along the Halifax waterfront on the afternoon of Sunday June 8th.

Read more articles about the Clipper 'round the world yacht race.