Ready for the off (nearly)
10:06, 21 March 2003
by Sarah Beaugeard

Today, the crews of the Clipper Fleet have been busy at their anchorage, Simon Rowell reported early this morning that it was a “Glorious day - bright, crisp, clear sunshine, with a romantic gravel barge working next to us”

In such ‘idyllic’ surroundings our resourceful lot have been swapping ideas, exchanging food, spare parts and generally rallying round each other so that the boats are ready for the race to start tomorrow.

The crew are of course disappointed that they will not get to see Shanghai. While some are now planning to fly back during their longer stop in Hong Kong, others have simply decided to make the most of being in Chinese waters and get to know some of the locals. Glasgow crewmember Keith Simmons has been declared ‘Fleet Translator – China Branch’ after illustrating some impressive knowledge (10 words) of the complex Chinese Language the trouble was that whilst astounding local fishermen with his words of wisdom, he gave his game away. Pausing to find the next suitable phrase, he asked them to wait ‘uno momento’…the mind boggles to what these people make of their strange new neighbours...

Meanwhile, back in the race office there were surprises all round. When the ‘bat phone’ rang early this morning, Colin readied his best Chinese accent. To his surprise he was welcomed with a cheery British voice declaring that he was one half of a surprise family visit of a London Crewmember. “ Lovely to hear from you” Said Colin, “but unfortunately I believe it is you who may be surprised. I am afraid the fleet is no longer coming to Shanghai.” We had been dreading such a phone call and are very grateful to both Mr and Mrs French from the ‘London Clipper supporters club’ and Mr and Mrs Russell from the ‘Jersey Camp’ for their graceful understanding of this situation. We wish them a happy and exciting holiday in China and hope that they manage to catch the fleet in Hong Kong.

Enough of all this however and back to the sailing. The ‘Sinotrans Race’ from Shanghai to Hong Kong will begin after a short motor South of the current anchorage. In previous races the start line has been between the Langganngshan Leiedao Light (30 26N 122 56E) and the compass rose on the Admiralty Chart some 3.4 miles to the east. Reading the chart this would appear to give a useful magenta line on the water. This will make it much easier for the skippers of the fleet as they get ready for their Le Mans start…

With the fleet moving on, the Race Office is moving too. We will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow evening (local time) and will report on the next instalment of the Clipper 2002 from there. For now, Shay Shay Shanghai. We really hope everything works out next time.

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