Looking Good for Some
17:51, 21 June 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

The 1500 GMT report showed another change of fortunes. About two hours before radio schedule the Force 8 head wind suddenly backed 70 degrees as the weather front passed over the two leading boats. The clouds began to lift and, although the sea was confused, the leading Clippers started to surge forward once again towards the finish. It appears that Bristol has taken a slight advantage and may have got the wind shift first. She has now regained the lead and life is a bit better than four hours ago when Richard Butler sent his 'Sod this for a laugh' message.

The leading boats had just over 70m miles to run at 1500 GMT and were doing 8 knots. If they manage to keep their speed up they will arrive in the early hours of the morning. Indications are they could both finish at 0300 local time (0100 GMT), this is the traditional finishing time for all yacht races.

One word of caution on judging arrival times. Cape Town is notorious for yachts making fast approaches and then stopping. If they do slow down on the run in they could get here at dawn and experience one of the sailors greatest land falls ever.

Further back it appears that as the boats have been beating past Cape Aghulas that Glasgow has taken a southerly bias. This has dropped her a couple of places but will give her a windward advantage when the front goes through and the wind backs. I would not be surprised to see them regain the ground that they appear to have lost when measuring the direct distance.

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