| At sea. Clipper Round the World race: Fleet enters the Japanese Osumi Kaikyo passage |
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| Wednesday, 12 April 2006 | |
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Russ Jefferys & Catherine Green: Konichiwa Japan: Overnight saw the fleet round the south-western point of Japan and enter the Osumi Kaikyo passage, ending the first stage of this lengthy leg across the Pacific, as well as providing a well needed psychological boost for the crew after the tough weather systems they have experienced since leaving China. As the boats rounded this headland, they managed to pick up the favourable Kuroshio current (also known as the Black Snake – an allusion to the deep blue colour of the water) which runs eastwards along the southern coast of Japan. This current comes up from the warm equatorial regions and follows the continental shelf marking the Nankai trough, where it then merges with the easterly drift of the North Pacific current. It is the equivalent to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean, transporting warm, tropical water northward toward the polar region. Victoria is storming on home Good winds yesterday saw excellent 12hr distance run by the fleet, all around 120 miles. Whilst Cardiff continues a good lead over the fleet, Durban has notched up to second place and Victoria has pulled ahead to claim third position. Uniquely Singapore, Liverpool 08, Qingdao and New York have gone closer inland and further north and only one mile currently separate Jersey and Glasgow, with westernaustralia.com six miles behind. With over 4500 miles to go, this race is still anyone’s game! Positions at 0400 GMT Team DTF - DTL 1. Cardiff 4519 - 0 2. Durban 4553 - 34 3. Victoria 4562 - 43 4. Uniquely Singapore – 4563 - 44 5. New York – 4566 - 47 6. Liverpool 08 4568 - 49 7. Qingdao 4570 - 51 8. Glasgow – 4574 - 55 9. Jersey 4575 - 56 10. westernaustralia.com 4581 - 62 DTF: Distance to finish DTL: Distance to leader www.clipper-ventures.com |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 April 2006 ) |
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