Clipper Preparations
This was the scene in the central basin of St Katherine's Dock, adjacent to Tower Bridge, one day in August 2015. The yachts are third-generation one-design Clipper Race yachts, capable of speeds of 35 kt. They set out on their 11-month round-the-world race at the end of the month from a start point off Southend.
The 12 70-foot yachts in the race made up the world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts. Designed by naval architect Tony Castro, they were the shining jewel in the Clipper Race crown, perfectly adapted to this gruelling sailing challenge. Those masts are 95 feet tall (and one individual in a bosun's chair can be seen about a third of the way up the nearest mast).
As with all lean, mean ocean racing yachts, the Clipper 70s are not for the faint-hearted. They are by design stripped of all luxuries. Crews (24 bunks provided) must become experts at living in a confined space, managing all their kit and belongings as they settle into their new home. Only the skippers in each boat are professionals, the rest are amateur volunteers.
The Clipper 70s feature twin helms, twin rudders and a six-foot bowsprit, which allows the inclusion of three large asymmetric spinnakers and a suite of Yankee headsails, which combine to increase performance and boat speed. The hull design produces better performance and control, especially in the light winds encountered near the Equator or between weather systems when crossing oceans. The design provides total control in the heaviest of conditions, ensuring not only high speeds, but safety too.
Clipper Preparations
This was the scene in the central basin of St Katherine's Dock, adjacent to Tower Bridge, one day in August 2015. The yachts are third-generation one-design Clipper Race yachts, capable of speeds of 35 kt. They set out on their 11-month round-the-world race at the end of the month from a start point off Southend.
The 12 70-foot yachts in the race made up the world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts. Designed by naval architect Tony Castro, they were the shining jewel in the Clipper Race crown, perfectly adapted to this gruelling sailing challenge. Those masts are 95 feet tall (and one individual in a bosun's chair can be seen about a third of the way up the nearest mast).
As with all lean, mean ocean racing yachts, the Clipper 70s are not for the faint-hearted. They are by design stripped of all luxuries. Crews (24 bunks provided) must become experts at living in a confined space, managing all their kit and belongings as they settle into their new home. Only the skippers in each boat are professionals, the rest are amateur volunteers.
The Clipper 70s feature twin helms, twin rudders and a six-foot bowsprit, which allows the inclusion of three large asymmetric spinnakers and a suite of Yankee headsails, which combine to increase performance and boat speed. The hull design produces better performance and control, especially in the light winds encountered near the Equator or between weather systems when crossing oceans. The design provides total control in the heaviest of conditions, ensuring not only high speeds, but safety too.