Clipper 2002/2003 Race - Yankee Doodle Does It!!
03:06, 18 July 2003
by Sarah Beaugeard

At 0128GMT Skipper Ross Daniel and the crew of New York Clipper sailed over the finish line and to victory, winning Race 13 of the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race, from Cape Town to Salvador, Brazil.

After a tactical decision to dash to the North thus avoiding the calms of the South Atlantic High, New York Clipper has proved to be unstoppable. For the last 10 days of the Race New York Clipper has lead the fleet as they raced across the Southern Atlantic.

This has not been a straight forward race for the crew of the New York Clipper. They managed to keep the opposition at bay despite suffering some serious damage to both their heavy and medium weight spinnakers. As they approached the coast of Brazil wind conditions towards the coast became increasingly squally, and variable which resulted in some tough sailing and rather a lot of time sewing below decks in order to maintain their lead.

As Race Director Colin de Mowbray confirmed their finish time over VHF radio from the finish line cheers could be heard from the jubilant crew. They are just moments away from a huge welcome ‘Brazil’ style with firecrackers waiting to sound and Caiparinas waiting to be poured!

WELL DONE NEW YORK CLIPPER!!

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