Clipper Race Departs San Francisco

April 20, 2010

The San Francisco start of the Clipper Round the World Race got off on a beautiful spring evening at 1800 in a brisk 25-knot west-northwesterly. The re-masted California pulled off a great port-tack start to cross the Golden Gate YC start line second after race leader Spirit of Australia and sail out into a strong flood current.

The start leaders, left to right: Spirit of Australia, California, Cape Breton, and Hull & Humber. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

There was obviously no local knowledge aboard the boats, as they chugged straight out the Gate into the flood. Team Finland, which arrived in San Francisco just yesterday morning, was among the nine-boat fleet.

Waving goodbye to Team Finland. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

This stopover was as calm and laid back as Northern California can be, and the crews said their last goodbyes to a small group of well-wishers and relatives at the docks. They are now bound for Panama, then Jamaica via the Panama Canal on what should be a fun leg in this grueling race around the world.

A small crowd at the docks. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

A last minute adjustment to a Hull & Humber crewmember's PFD. ©2010 norcalsailing.com

The California crew left in board shorts. The Brits on the race deck wondered, "What are they wearing?" ©2010 norcalsailing.com

For the official site, go to www.clipperroundtheworld.com. For more local coverage of the start, see www.pressure-drop.us and www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQlc2e8DtL4.