CLIPPER Diary 2005: The boat was at 90 degrees to its normal upright position.

Byline: with Vince McDermott

TODAY we passed Cape Town, I would have loved to have dropped in, but maybe next time ... Anyway, they already have a visitor from Jersey who is having a few rig problems and had to make a pit stop As soon as we passed Cape Town the wind picked up and we were scooting along. This was fantastic at first as we were making great progress but I spoke too soon and in the early hours we did what is known as a "Chinese Gybe" which in ordinary English means we were hit by a strong gust that knocked us over sideways, ie the boat was at 90 degrees to its normal upright position. It happened so quickly it was over almost as soon as it started. Everyone was OK thankfully and no injuries incurred. This episode also reinforced our confidence in the boat - that it is one tough cookie - and also confidence in ourselves.

Two months into the actual race we can competently deal with heavy seas but, personally, once enough Tuesday, November 15We are now taking a course close to land to avoid the notorious Agulhas current. This is where the might of the Indian Ocean pushes up against the south east coast of Africa and can create abnormally large and freak waves.

When we hit this current it was running at about five knots in the wrong direction as far as we are concerned which is so frustrating, especially being so close to the finish. We are now very close to land and we are suddenly aware of a variety of smells - vegetation, animals, wood smoke etc which, after three weeks at sea, is incredible and tests all the senses. You wouldn't believe how much the land is missed. The wind is behind us and we have to gybe every half hour so as to stay within the "safe corridor Wednesday, November 16 During the morning watch we are joined just off shore by a very large whale that appeared in front of us, dived and resurfaced within 30 feet of our port side. A truly wonderful animal. The wind is gusting now and it is far from comfortable sailing, but we are close to Durban where cold beers and a warm welcome are awaiting us. As the sun sets we were given a display of formation flying by a squadron of gannets. Poetry in motion. Today has been like "Wildlife on One". As night falls the drama begins as we sight Uniquely Singapore (the first craft we have seen since leaving Salvador). They are on our starboard beam and after almost 4,500 miles of Atlantic ocean, the race is now on in the 11th hour to cross the line before them. We are all pretty exhausted at this stage and the last thing we need to hard match racing but it has to be done andwe gained our last scraps of energy from somewhere Thursday, November 17 Just past midnight and Singapore still coming in fast. Concentration is at its highest - we can't let them pass. The wind is dropping and they have a better angle, it's nail biting as Singapore closes the gap but suddenly we cross the line and we're home. There is a hair's breadth between us.

It's so close an objection has been raised and the outcome is still being decided by the race committee. However whether we are fifth or sixth we are still second in the overall leader board which we are pleased with. Durban laid on an incredible reception. We had a Zulu Warrior welcome party and all had to have a draught of the traditional Zulu beer out of a wooden calabash that is given to returning warriors - not quite the same as a pint of Cains but, after three weeks at sea, it did the trick Friday, November 18 Party, hot shower and sleep Saturday, November 19 Today we welcomed in Durban. I think they had homecoming nerves as they came in eighth place. This by no means dampened the spirit of the City of Durban. For them the crew of Durban are heroes, the quayside was packed with well-wishers and media. It was very special and very emotional to see them reunited with friends and family Sunday, November 20 Today the party continues here in Durban, there are loads of people coming down to visit the boats and the Clipper Race is on the front page of what seems like every newspaper. This morning we had some professional surfers give a lesson to the Clipper crew which was very popular with the female crew members. It is now time for me to get back to my cold beer and appreciate life on land before the next leg and the challenge of the Southern Ocean. THE result on this leg was joint fifth. The third leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, from Durban to Freemantle, starts on Sunday, November 27. For regular updates visit www.liver pool08.com

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Publication:	Daily Post (Liverpool, England)
Geographic Code:	6SOUT
Date:	Nov 23, 2005
Words:	836
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