The Worlds toughest yacht race!

Well it looks as though the Clipper Round the world Race is living up to it's billing as being "the Worlds toughest yacht race" after the fleet has been battered by Pacific storms for the last few day's.

Skipper of Uniquely Singapore Jim Dobie is quoted as saying "Don't know what to say today except I've had a gutful of this bloody ocean," in a recent race report after they had suffered damage to the wheel and the companionway hood had been ripped off during a knockdown. Team Finland have also had problems all be it less dramitic which has meant them calling into Yokohama to fill up with fresh water after failing to resolve an issue with their watermaker.

By far the most serious situation involed the crew of California who were reportadly rolled 120 degrees by a large wave that struck the boat beam on, when the boat self righted the pressure proved too much for the rig and the mast snapped in 2 places. Fortunately having been located by the US Coastguard California had not suffered hull damage and all crew were relatively unscaved however a Danish container ship on route to the US was diverted to recover one crew member that recieved injury's after being thrown across the cabin during the roll. The remaining crew are motoring on to their destination in San Francisco whilst being constantly shadowed by fellow Clipper entrants Jamaica Lightening Bolt.

Lets hope the rest of the fleet make it safely to port without any major drama.

For more information on the race click here to view the Clipper race Website.