Cork crew claim 'brilliant' South Atlantic yachting victory

Nov 13th, 2009
The crew of Cork, Ireland are celebrating after claiming victory in the South Atlantic leg of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.

Following a few tough days at sea, the Irish yacht managed to hold onto its lead to speed into the home stretch to South Africa, with 20-year-old Marlon Jones at the helm to steer the yacht into his home city of Cape Town.

Upon completion of the 3,300 mile race across the Atlantic, with the yachts having set off from Rio several days ago, the Irish ambassador was on hand to pass his congratulations onto the team, with Cork skipper Richie Fearon explaining that it was a true team effort that helped the yacht to its first win of the 35,000 mile challenge.

"That was absolutely brilliant - it's great to arrive here first," he said once back on dry land in Cape Town.

"It was hard out there; big seas and big winds and we pushed the boat good and hard. As a crew we came well together and I'd say we deserve it. We kept the boat going ahead of the others and I'm really chuffed."

At the time of the Irish team's arrival, Team Finland and Uniquely Singapore were battling it out across the Atlantic for second place.

The current Clipper Round the World Race started in Hull in September and is expected to finish in July 2010.

Posted by George Clifford