Clipper reaches Cape Town

Victory for the Bristol crew

Richard Butler today skippered Bristol Clipper to victory in Race 12 of the Clipper 2002 Round the World Series. The Bristol crew, understandably in buoyant mood, were greeted by a reception committee from the Royal Cape Yacht Club as well as the bright lights of the television crews, as they crossed the Cape Town finish line at 07:38 local time (05:38 GMT) on Sunday, 22 June 2003.

Skipper Simon Rowell then clinched 2nd place and another fine podium finish for Channel Islanders, as the jubilant Jersey Clipper crew crossed the finish line at 08:19 local time (06:19 GMT).

Having successfully snatched Bristol’s lead on the final run into Cape Town, Jersey Clipper was denied line honours in the eleventh hour. Timing their arrival perfectly, the crews arrived dockside at the Royal Cape Yacht Club basin at sunrise; both just in time for breakfast and champagne celebrations.

Looking ahead to a nail-biting day in Cape Town as crew families and race spectators await further arrivals, there is still everything to play for within the rest of the Clipper 2002 fleet.

Skipper Rory Gillard aboard London Clipper presently holds third place, but at 03:00 GMT this morning the Londoners still had 100.81 miles to run and were neck and neck with Ross Daniel’s New Yorkers.

Rory and Ross may be good friends off the water, but this battle is certain to go all the way and the next yachts are expected into Cape Town at 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT) today.

Clipper 2002 - Race 12 Positions
03:00, 22 June 2003

Pos Yacht Distance to Race Finish
1 Bristol Finished 22/06/03 at 05:38 GMT
2 Jersey Finished 22/06/03 at 06:19 GMT
=3 London 100.81 (nautical miles)
=3 New York 100.81
5 Liverpool 128.7
6 Glasgow 139.21
7 Hong Kong 177.24
8 Cape Town 187.29