The Derry “LondonDerry” Doire has extended its lead as the 12 yachts in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race approach the Equator.
With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, Derry skipper Sean McCarter is still undecided whether or not to pick up bonus points by passing through the “Scoring Gate” on the Atlantic Ocean 5,000 mile crossing from Brest in France to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
He said: “Team Derry ‘LondonDerry’ Doire is well and still making its way south as quick as the winds will allow. Even though wind speed has dropped a few knots over the past 24 hours, the direction has come forward and the seas have calmed allowing us to maintain similar speeds.”
He added: “The big decision of the day will be whether to divert from our course to try and bag some Scoring Gate points, or to continue to line up for a more favourable Doldrums crossing.
“It is difficult as the new wind direction favours the latter and also favours the two contenders for gate points, Mission Performance and Henri Lloyd. Both crews have done a great job over the past few days of keeping us on our toes. They have been relentless in their pursuit.”
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