13 June 2008
Hull & Humber has claimed victory in the Democracy 250 Race from Halifax to Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The Clipper fleet was tightly bunched overnight and all ten of the yachts crossed the finish line within three and a half hours of each other. Hull & Humber was just 47 seconds ahead of second placed westernaustralia2011.com and 19 minutes ahead of third placed Liverpool 08.
The home favourite in the 200-mile race between the two ports, Nova Scotia, with the province’s Tourism Minister, Bill Dooks, on board, finished in sixth place. The race does not carry points towards the Clipper 07-08 Race title.
All ten of the internationally-backed yachts are now in Sydney, berthed at the Marine Terminal, where they will stay until the start of the penultimate race of Clipper 07-08 on Monday. A busy programme of events is planned for the crews, starting this evening with a hot meal and music for the crews who have endured a rude return to cold water sailing following the last months in warmer climes. The official welcome ceremony and prizegiving will take place tomorrow.
On the dock to meet the crews was Clipper Race founder and legendary sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Saturday 14 June will be the fortieth anniversary of Sir Robin’s departure from Falmouth on his record breaking voyage in Suhaili. 312 days later he became the first man to have sailed solo and non-stop around the world.
The finishing times (all GMT) for the Democracy 250 Race are:
1. Hull & Humber: 12:35:43
2. westernaustralia2011.com: 12:36:15
3. Liverpool 08: 12:54:01
4. Jamaica: 13:36:28
5. Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper: 13:48:54
6. Nova Scotia: 14:08:19
7. Qingdao: 14:27:48
8. Durban 2010 and Beyond: 14:43:00
9. New York: 15:56:58
Uniquely Singapore retired due to rule infringement.
Berths are now available for the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. There will be a recruitment presentation at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney at 4pm on Saturday 14 June where people from Nova Scotia can find out more about what it takes to take on the world and how to apply to become a crew member.
For more information call David Cusworth, on (902) 402 5450 or email clipperroundtheworld.com. No previous sailing experience is required. The minimum age is 18 and there is no upper age limit.
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For more event information visit - www.clipperroundtheworld.com