It was all too good to be true
15:30, 23 May 2003
by Tim Hedges

This mornings positions showed Liverpool screaming ahead into first place whilst the rest of the fleet seemed to stand still. Whenever the positions show such a huge differential or change in positions one tends to wonder why, and this morning was no exception. There seems no doubt that Liverpool have taken the lead, but we will have to wait until the 1500 report to confirm by how much.

The conditions have certainly deteriorated with speeds dropping considerably. Hong Kong skipper Justin Taylor reported that the wind was light and cyclonic. This is a technical term for "shifting all over the place", and having averaged 9 knots yesterday they are now doing two. Close by is Bristol, erstwhile leader, but now reduced to a drifting match for 3rd place in the windless squalls.

New York is the other winner having risen 3 places to second, whilst Glasgow and London swap places yet again at the back.

Satellite coverage is patchy in this part of the Indian Ocean, so the crew will not be able to send emails for a day or so. They will however be able to receive them as messages to the boats involves a different system.

Photos online! New leg 4 photos are now online. To see the latest pictures from the boats, go to the Photos page and click the link for the boat pictures you want to look at. The latest photos are under 'Hong Kong - Batam'. Please note however that not all of the boats managed to get their photos to the race staff before leaving Batam...missing photos will be collected in Mauritius!

Joining for Leg 5? For crew members heading for Mauritius, a gentle reminder to remember to take your official "joining" letter for immigration on the island. Though possession of this is no guarantee of a hassle free arrival for those with out onward tickets (which probably is the case for all crew departing by boat) it should at least give some legitimacy to your arrival. Race Director Colin de Mowbray will be establishing himself in Port Louis on Tuesday and we will post his contact details when we have them.

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