The Clipper Round the World race is currently underway. The boats are on Leg 7 of their adventure, and yesterday finished the race from New York City to Cape Brenton Island, Nova Scotia. The vessel Hull & Humber, one of the English entries, took line honors, with Spirit of Australia coming in second, and it was so-close-but-yet-so-far for the vessel Cape Brenton Island, who was not able to win the race in their home port (which no Clipper boat has been able to do) and came in third. The next portion of Leg 7 is a 2,185-mile shot across the Atlantic to Cork, Ireland. To follow the race visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com.
The Talisker Bounty Boat, a 25-foot long, 7-foot wide, open sailboat that is currently traveling from Tonga to the island of Timor in a recreation of the 4,000-nautical-mile voyage made by William Bligh, has nearly completed their journey. After 43 days at sea, the crew is expected to reach the city of Kupang on Timor in about five days. However, the adventure isn't over yet. Last night, with steady winds and confused seas, the vessel was struck by a large wave and suffered a knock down. Acting quickly, the crew was able to bail the boat out and right themselves, and the four-man crew pushes on. To follow their journey, visit www.taliskerbountyboat.com
The waters of Narragansett Bay will be bustling next week when the Newport Bermuda Race kicks off on Friday. There will be 196 vessels on the starting line, but there will be one familiar face missing. The U.S. Coast Guard vessel Juniper has fired the starting gun from her deck since the starting line was moved to one-half mile off of Castle Hill Lighthouse. However, Juniper will not be present this year due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The firing gun will come from the deck of the Bill Langan designed sailing vessel Axia. For more information on the race, and to follow the racers progress, visit www.bermudarace.com
At just 16 years old Abby Sunderland set out to become the worlds youngest solo circumnavigator surpassing her brother who accomplished the feat at the age of 17. Abby's vessel a Jutson-designed Open 40, Wild Eyes, was caught in dangerous sea conditions and suffered numerous knockdowns. Her support crew lost contact with her and she activated her emergency beacon (EPIRB). Abby was alone in the middle of the Indian Ocean facing life and death circumstances. Abby has been found and is awaiting rescue at the time of this writing. The Guinness Book of World Record has discontinued allowing minors to be in their records because of the dangerous circumstance that could arise. Do you think she should have been allowed to attempt this feet? Let us here what you have to say, send an email to editor@yachtingmagazine.com.