Ther're all together!
13:30, 28 March 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

It is going to be close out there as the boats approach the finish. At 1330 GMT (2130 HKT) Liverpool had 18 miles to run and looks set for a third place. Hong Kong is next 4.5 miles astern. Glasgow is two miles behind them and New York has sprung up 1.5 miles behind Glasgow.

There is a joker. London's SatC is not polling and so we are not sure where they are until the radio schedule at 1500 - from their last position they are amongst that lot as well! Glasgow has not been at full speed as they have been clearing their spinnaker wrap, apparently one for the record books. Will New York pip them on the post? It will be very, very close..

Cape Town's challenge ended when they had steering gear problems which cost them three hours. What a great disappointment as they were on a good last charge; it is expected they will be in for breakfast. This race could have been a procession - it has been nothing like that!

Bristol and Jersey crews are well established in the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club - being of a sensitive and kindly nature I will not go into that while the others are out there fighting for the places…..

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