Looks Like Bristol
23:30, 29 May 2003
by Cloin de Mowbray

It is now 0200 local time in Mauritius. The lashing rain has eased off and the number of people to greet the Clipper yachts has increased. The loyal supporters are not letting a comfortable night's sleep rob them of this epic occasion. The excitement has been intense as the three leading boats converge to pass through the narrow channel between the main island and the small outlying islands and rocks.

Bristol now leads with 13.7 miles to run. She is expected to finish at 2330 GMT (0330 local). A mere 3 miles, or 20 minutes behind, Hong Kong Clipper gives chase. Both these have passed inside Gunners' Quoin through the channel which is barely a mile wide and notorious for its tidal races and overfalls. Another three miles astern, Liverpool still remains in touch.

I expect the first three boats to finish within an hour. New York appears to have consolidated fourth place and it then looks like Glasgow, Jersey, London and Cape Town.

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