Clipper Round the World Race – September/October 2023 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.
October saw Dare to Lead reach Cadiz – Puerto Sherry – and Gary had to resupplying the ship with fresh fruit and veg and frozen vacuum packed chicken; a challenge for him in Spanish! A baking hot whirlwind was over too soon and they set sail on 15/9 having had 48 usable hours ashore and a hot shower was bliss after 9 days at sea.
The push to Punte
The estimated duration for this second race was 27-32 days; the first 10 days punctuated with the interest of passing through the Canary Islands and then on to Cape Verde. Charging for a scoring gate in first place their spinnaker failed, the block 95 feet above the deck broke and came crashing down, dumping the sail in the water. All hands in deck in the middle of the night to haul it out of the sea … no points scored, 3 other yachts raced by as they struggled with repairs.
Then on to the doldrums. HEAT!! As they neared the equator the temperature rose dramatically. High 30’s on deck with little to no breeze or shade. Marginally cooler below but around 90% humidity. Sleeping was a challenge!
All the boats are allowed to motor for 60 hours to keep the race moving through the doldrums corridor. Then it was back under sail for another 2 weeks to the finish.
Punte del Este, Uruguay
They made good time and came in on the 27th day to a truly amazing reception. This is a host port and a yacht sponsor with a very proud sailing tradition.
Stay tuned for the next thrilling instalment, from Cape Town by mid November.
