According to clipperroundtheworld.com, the Clipper Around the World Race is underway with eleven teams sailing some 40,000 nautical miles. The eight-legged race features former Cayman national squash team player Dean Watson, who is onboard the Qingdao, jostling for a top position.
For those unfamiliar with the race, clipperroundtheworld.com explained that the first race occurred in 1996 and is “the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.”
clipperroundtheworld.com added: “Since then, almost 6,000 Race Crew from all walks of life and more than 60 nations have trained and raced in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race; the only race in the world where the organisers supply a fleet of identical racing yachts (eleven), each with a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew. Crew complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before they compete.”
Concerning Watson’s progress, he is reportedly completing leg six on the Qingdao, from China to Seattle, and expecting to arrive on Sunday or Monday next week.
Describing the battle underway, a race update from clipperroundtheworld.com said, “One of the most exciting battles playing out mid Pacific is for the remaining Race 10 podium positions between Perseverance, Qingdao, UNICEF and Zhuhai, who are in a tight formation and possibly within sight of each other.”
clipperroundtheworld.com added, “This battle is even more exciting because the overall race leaderboard is being contested by some of those in this pack.”
As noted by clipperroundtheworld.com, “There’s a lot more at stake than just the bragging rights to the mighty North Pacific, and it’s all playing out right now.”
Regarding this, sailing crews are not just jockeying for a podium finish; they are testing their individual limits in unpredictable weather conditions at any portion of a leg.
Luckily, Cayman’s Dean Watson is no stranger to endurance or challenging conditions, having completed several highly contested competitions during his career.
Best wishes go out to Watson and his crew as they successfully endure leg 6.
Sailing fans who wish to follow the progress of Watson and his crew may visit https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/news.
