Friday
31st August 2001, 1030 BST
Clippers
race from Jersey to Jersey |
|
Bristol skipper Bob Beggs enjoys the New York sunshine |
|
The
Bristol Clipper and her sister yachts set sail from New York today
on the penultimate leg of the round-the-world race.
Currently in the lead, by the narrowest of margins (see
table below), she will embark on a 3,112 nautical mile race from
New Jersey to the Channel Island of Jersey.
The transatlantic course for Race 15 covers the old and traditional
route for the Atlantic Blue Riband.
The UK's weather systems start in America and cross the Atlantic towards
us.
Race officials estimate that the yachts could pass the Lizard in 14
to 15 days if they are lucky with the weather
Commenting on the forthcoming Atlantic challenge, Race Chairman Sir
Robin Knox-Johnston said:
"None of us could have imagined that the final result could be so
finely balanced, with Bristol and Jersey neck and neck, and a mistake
by both allowing another boat into the frame.
"This truly is ocean racing at its best."
|
Overall
positions after
Race 14
|
|
1
|
Bristol
|
83.4
Points |
|
2
|
Jersey
|
83
Points |
|
3
|
London
|
73
Points |
|
4
|
Portsmouth
|
68
Points |
|
5
|
Plymouth
|
67
Points |
|
6
|
Liverpool
|
64
Points |
| 7 |
Leeds
|
36
Points |
| 8 |
Glasgow
|
31
Points |
|
|
