Clipper crews experience tough days at sea

Nov 11th, 2009
Crews taking part in the Clipper Round-the-World Race recently discovered that life on a racing boat is very different from that experienced on a luxury charter yacht cruising in the Caribbean.

Those aboard the California have had to deal with the news that a shearing of the spindle holding their wheel could add days on to their journey from Brazil to South Africa.

Foul weather has meant a rough few days' sailing for all the yachts, but the US entry suffered a blow and was left relying on secondary steering yesterday (November 10th).

However, skipper Pete Rollason explained that the amateur crew has been surprisingly positive and resourceful, managing to build a new shaft for the wheel.

"Yesterday morning brought a flurry of activity with various weird and wonderful pieces of metal being located from all sources that may fit the bill," he explained.

"Any mad inventor would have been proud of our efforts and the crew never cease to amaze me with their upbeat spirit."

The yachts will head off for Australia after docking in South Africa. From there they will travel to China, California and the Caribbean before reaching the finish line in the UK.

Posted by George Clifford