Durban 2010 and Beyond one of two yachts dismasted during the 4,400-mile Race 7 from Qingdao, China, to Hawaii in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race, has arrived in Honolulu. Shortly before the 1600 on Tuesday 18 March (0200 GMT Wednesday 19 March) she entered the Ala Wai harbour next to the famous Waikiki Beach, having been accompanied for the last 12 hours by three other Clipper yachts, Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, Liverpool 08 and Qingdao.
Earlier today Race 7 winners, Hull & Humber, and second placed New York arrived in the Ala Wai. Until all the skippers hand in their declarations the positions are provisional, but if they stand Hull & Humber will move into the overall lead, just two points ahead of Durban 2010 and Beyond who slip back into second place, level on points with Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper.
westernaustralia2011.com, one of the ten internationally-backed yachts competing in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race, is heading back to Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean due to gearbox failure on Tuesday. The team representing Western Australia reported to the Race Office that at approximately 2300 GMT on Tuesday the gearbox on the 68-foot yacht had sheared after one of their lines became caught around the propeller.
The crew of twelve, including professional skipper Martin Silk, constructed a jury rig after losing half of their 81-foot mast two weeks ago. The team has made good progress towards Hawaii approximately 970 miles to the east of their position at 0600 GMT on Wednesday but will now turn back towards Midway.
"A line around the propeller today whilst re-engaging the drive has turned our race around once again. The line marking 1,000 miles to Hawaii will now need to be crossed two more times as we return to Midway refuge," Martin Silk said following the gearbox failure.
The Race Team is currently assessing the options for getting a replacement gearbox to Midway so that the Western Australian team can proceed to Hawaii as soon as possible.
westernaustralia2011.com, the winning boat in Clipper 05-06, is expected to arrive in Midway on Thursday.
