Clipper 2002/2003 Race - The Race to Jersey
15:37, 16 September 2003
by Colin de Mowbray

Race 15 continues with the boats making mixed progress to their goal of Jersey. Race followers will have been delighted by the past four or five days but all good things come to an end. The weekend was, in a word, slow. I am glad to say they are once again making good progress and the forecast for the next three or four days looks encouraging. The crystal ball after that is not so encouraging but we will have to wait a bit longer to see exactly what the boats will experience.

I think it may be helpful to re-state our intention for Race 15 to Jersey. The aim is, and remains, that the race will finish in Jersey and it is on that premise that the boats are currently racing across the Atlantic. It is also our intention for the yachts to depart from Jersey on the fair tidal stream early on the morning of Wednesday 24 September. This can not be slipped as we need to ensure they have sufficient time to race to Holyhead where they will gather themselves before the final race to Liverpool. The time of start and the course from Holyhead will be determined by the prevailing conditions so that they end up crossing the International Line at Liverpool at approximately 10:00 AM on Saturday 27 Sep

For those who do not have a mathematical bent let me just point out that even in the best scenario the visit to Jersey will inevitably be short. I believe everyone reading this will know the reasons behind the delay in sailing from New York and how we have tried to make up lost time; this has been clearly laid out on the web.

We can not be more definite than I have stated above but I would just like to stress the importance and support there is for Jersey by everyone connected in the race. The determination to make this visit is universal and everyone is desperately keen for this to happen.

If you are planning on visiting Jersey to meet the boats please do not let me discourage you as I know the island will welcome you just as enthusiastically as ever, if not more so! The situation will become clearer as each day passes.

Colin de Mowbray

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