Clipper 2002/2003 Race - Race 15 Postponed
17:00, 02 September 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

The programmed start of Race 15 from New York to Jersey, due to start at 12:00 local time (16:00 GMT) has been postponed. Hurricane Fabian, which is presently to the east of the Bahamas, is tracking north at an increasing speed and the predictions show that it will cross the coast of Nova Scotia between Sunday and Monday 7/8 September.

The decision has therefore been taken for the Clipper fleet to remain in their present berth at the Intrepid-Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York until it is prudent for them to sail.

The above delay will doubtless have an effect on the subsequent programme and all the options are currently being studied. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.

There are numerous weather websites showing the predicted path of Hurricane Fabian, but care should be taken in interpreting these. The speed and track that hurricanes follow can be random and can often vary from these predictions. The further ahead the forecast the greater the potential for error.

It is possible that the Clipper Fleet will be able to start Race 15 from New York on Friday 5 September however a more likely date is Saturday 6 September.

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