First blood for Liverpool

As Clipper Round the World Race's transatlantic leg concludes

Liverpool Clipper, skippered by Adam Kyffin, won Race 15 of the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race today; crossing the finish line at 16:26 GMT. With a North Westerly wind blowing 30 - 40 knots, the 60-footer had screamed into Channel Island waters but these conditions also prevented the massive spectator fleet from witnessing the Liverpudlians claim their first victory of the series, which began in Liverpool some eleven months ago.

Richard Butler and his crew on Bristol Clipper crossed the finishing line at 17:12 GMT (18:12 local time) to clinch second place ahead of the Jersey crew, led by Simon Rowell, who finished off Noirmount Point at 17:55 GMT to take the final podium place for this tough transatlantic race from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Noirmount Point was full of well-wishers who cheered each arrival and showed special appreciation for their local team on Jersey Clipper. Cars flashed their headlights and mobile phone lines were blocked with the sheer volume of messages. Ian Stokes of the Jersey crew reported their finishing time over the VHF. At the end of his transmission, Ian's voice cracked as he summed up, "Jersey is home!"

London Clipper then crossed the line at 18:31 GMT to take a fantastic fourth place. Skipper Rory Gillard and his crew had managed to creep up into the leading pack, finishing a mere two hours and five minutes after the winners on Liverpool.

The next yacht, New York Clipper, is due into Jersey at the traditional Clipper finishing time of 03:00 (local).

Clipper 2002 - Race 15 Positions
15:00, 22 September 2003

Pos Yacht Distance To Finish (Nautical Miles)
1 Liverpool Finished 16:26 gmt 22/09/03
2 Bristol Finished 17:12 gmt 22/09/03
3 Jersey Finished 17:55 gmt 22/09/03
4 London Finished 18:31 gmt 22/09/03
5 New York 97
6 Glasgow 143
7 Hong Kong 145
8 Cape Town 210