Tuesday, March 15, 2011

COM-PAC 19 MK 2

Boat: COM-PAC 19 MK 2

Builder: Com-Pac Yachts

Designer: Robert K. Johnson

More: COM-PAC 19 MK 2 Specifications

News:

The Times Clipper 2000 Round The World Race - Leg 1 Finish


Author: Sue Warden-Owen

Bristol Clipper Takes Victory - Race 1 - Portsmouth to Vilamoura

Bob Beggs and his crew aboard Bristol Clipper took line honours this morning at 1005 and 15 seconds (GMT) to win Race 1, the first of the 16 races in The Times Clipper 2000 Round The World Yacht Race. At 0500 (GMT) this morning he still had nearly 40 miles to go but maintained a lead of 10 miles over Matt Baker and his crew in Plymouth Clipper.

The conditions at the finish were near perfect with a 10 knot breeze and bright sunshine, the crews aboard Bristol Clipper are now in for a well earned rest in The Algarve. Racing for the next stage of Leg 1, Portugal to Cuba, will recommence on Saturday 28th October at 1100.

The fleet of eight identical 60ft yachts have had a hectic night as the northerly wind held giving them an exhilarating spinnaker run down the Portuguese coast. Bob Beggs ( Skipper) reported earlier that Bristol Clipper had been averaging over 10 knots most of the night and that none of his crew would go to their bunks as they tried to get the last ounce of speed from their racing machine. They turned the corner at St Vincent at 0300 this morning and dropped their spinnaker. The wind eased away in the lee of the land but Bristol headed for the line at a steady eight knots.

The last 24 hours have not been without problems for all the yachts competing in The Times Clipper 2000. There are many stories of spinnaker mishaps and excitements. These have caused places to change within the pack following the leaders. It appears that most of the Clippers have made good
use of their heavier 2.2 oz heavy weather spinnaker over this period.

The distance table this morning showed an amazing run over the last 12 hours by Martin Clough and the crew of Portsmouth Clipper. They covered 112 miles giving an average speed of 9.3 knots. This has put them a mere 3 miles astern of Jersey, Plymouth in second place had just under 60 miles to the finish, Liverpool were just under the 100 mile mark but the rest were all 100 plus miles indicating a big turn around of their fortunes earlier this week when they were stuck in a windless Solent at the start.

Meanwhile Skipper Ed Green in Glasgow Clipper has been working hard to fix his generator. When asked about the conditions in this leg, at the finish line, Bob Beggs skipper of Bristol Clipper replied 'We have had masses of frustrations and a bit of everything thrown at us. The run over the last 48 hours has been breathtaking and had everyone on their toes.'

The Times Clipper fleet have not experienced the harsh conditions often experienced in the Bay Of Biscay at this time of year," they did have force 7 off Ushant and have had a remarkably quick run on this first leg " commented Colin de Mowbray - race director.

Plymouth Clipper is expected to finish by early afternoon with the remainder of the fleet arriving in late tonight.

More Information:

  • The Times Clipper 2000 Website

See also: COM-PAC 19 for sale