Clipper 2002/2003 Race - Fight to the line
12:02, 19 July 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

At 2230 GMT the polls from the Race Office showed that Liverpool still had the edge on Jersey and Hong Kong by possibly 20 minutes as the boats converge on the finish. Less easy to judge is the cut throat place for seventh place. The polls show Hong Kong a mere 0.3 miles closer to the line than Jersey. Will Hong Kong's more northerly position mean they will get a better wind angle with the southerly wind?

There is also a possibility that Jersey will be able to be free enough to fly her heavy weight spinnaker, in which case the advantage will be with her. With 15 miles to run there is no telling who will pip who. The St Antonio Fort, with the distinctive lighthouse, will be the scene of much excitement tonight as these three boats cross within 30 minutes of each other.

Tonight is not a night for early bedders. Get out the Horlicks and stay glued to your favourite website. These sort of finishes do not happen that often - sleep is for whimps!

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