Clipper 2017-18 race is currently underway and its third stage has been started which is called the Dell Latitude Rugged Race. This version is being run from Cape Town and would cover a distance of 4754 nmfrom the Southern Ocean. It would be paramount to a sleigh ride that one would take towards Fremantle in Australia.
The Dare to Lead boat team was first to finish the race, which comprised of a stopover at Cape Town. The city is great for scenic surroundings as well as for being a favorite of several world sailing events. There were supporters who were by the Alfred and Victoria waterfront lining the marina of Cape Town. The teams were waved off by streams of supporters and after a Parade of Sail were conducted. The triangular course that was from the Table Bay was covered first by Dare to Lead team whose skipper was Dale Smyth, a local veteran; second in line was Visit Seattle whose skipper Nikki Henderson was the youngest in the group and finally came in Hotel Planner whose skipper was Conall Morrison.
At the time when the boats left the harbor the winds were fickle for which different tactical decisions had to be taken by the teams; there were all in total twelve teams who faced a wind hole by Agulhas Bank. This is indeed a disturbed area as two oceans, Atlantic and Indian oceans meet here. This stage of the Clipper race is seen vital as per testing of courage and nerves go. After this the race would move onto Roaring Forties which are a region that lies between forty and fifty degree latitude; this is one place where sailors appreciate the real and raw beauty of Mother Nature. There is more of this race to look forward to and hence supporters will surely be enthused.