Clipper Round the World Race One update!
Our Member of Chambers Gary Venturi is taking part in this years Clipper around the World Yacht Race which set sail on 3rd September from Gunwharf Quays.
11 identical yachts, crewed largely by amateurs, set off to take on a circumnavigation of the globe covering over 40,000 nautical miles under sail. UNICEF is the charity partner and collectively they aim to raise as close to £500,000 as they can – Dare To Lead, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race (justgiving.com)
The fleet have stopped in Cadiz, Spain and will stop in Uruguay, South Africa, Western and Eastern Australia, Vietnam, Southern and Northern China, Seattle and Washington DC before returning to the UK at Oban in Scotland and finally back to Gunwharf by late July 2024.
Gary is a crew member on the yacht Dare to Lead. Upon leaving Portsmouth, 19 crew and 2 professionals sailed 24 hours a day for 8 1/2 days to arrive in Cadiz. Two days downwind in the channel then upwind, heeled over at 35/40 degrees for the four more. Just shy of 50 knots of wind and 5 metre swells. Torn sails and a dislocated shoulder (as well as sea sickness and a chesty virus) ravaged the crew – happily he’s escaped unharmed so far! The race was ended prematurely (with Dare to Lead 8th of 11) when the wind died away, to allow for the quick turnaround in Cadiz. They spent the final 2 days motor sailing and towing another yacht from the fleet as it suffered engine trouble. Dare to Lead finally arrived at port Tuesday afternoon and have been repairing, preparing and provisioning for the next race – 27 to 32 days across the Atlantic to Punte del Este in Uruguay.
We will provide regular updates as and when Gary reports in!
