Clipper yachts are en route

THE sixth stage of the 2015-16 Clipper Round the World Race got underway on January 2 following the fleet’s successful Sydney-Hobart campaign.

The 1631 nautical mile Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race is one of 14 races making up the 11-month global series, which started from London at the end of August last year.

First across the start line was Chinese entry Qingdao, followed closely by Northern Ireland’sDerry~Londonderry~Doire in second and LMAX Exchange third.

The teams have already demonstrated great spirit and seamanship by completing one of the hardest editions of the Sydney-Hobart for many years. Clipper Race founder and Chairman Sir Robin-Knox Johnston said it was a huge achievement, not to be underestimated.

“I think it reflects both the high quality of their training and the robust nature of the Clipper 70 design that all the boats finished without major damage or injury when so many professionals had to pull out,” he said.

Wendy Tuck, Australian Skipper of Da Nang – Viet Nam, said she was ready to push the crew harder again in an effort to emulate their Race 5 win.

“I have sailed this route up to Airlie Beach a lot of times, so am very familiar with the conditions, which I hope will give us an advantage,” she said.

“It should be a fast race.”

The top three teams will be presented with the Race 6: Henri Lloyd Hobart to Whitsundays Race pennant.