The divide deepens
10:00, 26 February 2003
by Race Office

The difference between the northern boats and the southern (west is best ) boats , again over the last twenty-four hours has become greater once more. As light airs have plagued all parties over the last few days, the last twenty - four hours has seen a significant increase in breeze in the favour of the northernmost boats.

The leading pack are now benefiting from a fresh north-north-westerly breeze at present, which is helping them to not only make a direct course for Yokohama, but also to pull away from the sourthern boats where the wind has finally began to fill in. Richard aboard Bristol had this to say earlier this morning "This really isn't going according to plan with the northern boats making lots of progress and us and Jersey much less. Even so the next couple of days look much better for us, but it will take quite alot to recover from the last couple of days. However, its not over until it's over and we've still got a long way to go in which to recover."

New York has been able to make the most of what some may have thought a quite daring move earlier in the week, by heading north to cover the leading group much sooner than most had expected.This has proved most beneficial for Sam and her crew .New York also earned the greatest distance run over the past twenty-four hours with a distance of 176 nautical miles , narrowly ahead of Hong Kong who were the only other boat to reach the 170+ mark. Knowing full well that they must keep London and Glasgow within striking distance, so no signs of let up to be seen aboard Hong Kong.

London have been able to consolidate their lead once more, but for how long? it's anyones guess. The lead has changed back and forth between the top three boats many times over the last ten -twelve days, and the following group are by no means going to let Rory and the crew of London out of their sights.

Meanwhile Cape Town are still battling hard and have been a little unfortunate to not benefit from the breeze increases further north of them as yet ,but will be very interesting to see how their position changes over the next forty-eight hours as a cold front is expected to pass which may see them once more in a favourable position. This may also see the leading group returning to a more southerly heading. Back here in the race office we're all awaiting what conditions the weather gods will offer up next ! Liverpool have been extremely consistent throughout all of the sparring of the leading group and have been affected with almost the same weather conditions, this being proven through their daily runs and not losing any ground on the leading group.

So it's fingers crossed for the wind to stay this time as the yachts close on their destination of Yokohama and it's still open as to who will have a podium finish

Source: Clipper 2002/2003 Round The World Race Official Site