Sanya team sails into Cape Town, secures top 3 position in overall standings
The “Visit Sanya, China” team crossed the finish line into Cape Town at 08:09:45 UTC on November 9th, 2019, taking fifth place in leg two of the Clipper 2019-20 Round-the-world Yacht Race, after a 3,555-mile voyage lasting over seventeen days. The team edged past “Seattle” and “WTC Logistics” after taking the infamous wind shadow of Table Mountain head on, and after overnight passing “Seattle,” who went too far north.
“Visit Sanya, China”’s placement in this leg of the race will add seven points to its running total. The team also scored two bonus points for crossing the gate in second place, so should hold onto its top-three position in the overall race standings.
Skipper Seumas Kellock said on arrival: “I’m glad to be in. Going from the 60 knots we had last night, to the six knots we had this morning, it was quite a variation. At the start of the race, we weren’t sure if the true South Atlantic experience would arrive for us but oh, it arrived good and proper! Two big low pressure systems rolled over and gave us a good rollicking but everyone enjoyed it."
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa in terms of population, and is well known for its picturesque scenery and pier construction. The region’s famous landmarks include Table Mountain, also known as “the Table of God,” and the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. A wide range of events including “open boat days” and charity donations will be held during the stopover, with the aim of showcasing the unique charm of Sanya as a popular tropical resort.
After a handful of days in the stopover of Cape Town, the “Visit Sanya, China” team will set off on November 17th, 2019, for the third leg of the Clipper 2019-20 Round-the-world Yacht Race, from South Africa to Fremantle, Australia.