Durban 2010 and Beyond has won the second race of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race from La Rochelle to Salvador da Bahia. Crossing the finish line at 15:45 UTC the South African team has gained the maximum ten points by winning the first ocean crossing of the Clipper 07-08 Race. The result has moved them to the top of the overall leader board from their fifth place position at the end of Race 1.
“I’m pretty elated but also exhausted,” said Ricky Chalmers, skipper of Durban 2010 and Beyond. “We had a bit of a scare there right at the end when the wind died on us, but by chasing the clouds we managed to find some again and cross the line”
Durban 2010 and Beyond came alongside the pontoon at SUDESB’s Terminal Maritimo da Bahia in Salvador to fireworks and a rapturous welcome from local dignitaries, friends, family and dozens of Brazilian media and 07-08 crew who will be joining for Leg 2. A local woman dressed in a traditional Bahia costume gave the crew ribbons to wear on their wrists, a local custom that grants the recipient three wishes as the ribbon is tied on with three knots. One of the winning crew, Msawenkosi Johannes ‘Joe’ Xaba from Durban was excited to have arrived in Brazil “It’s been awesome!” exclaimed Joe “The best part is getting into port after an amazing adventure.”
Originally sixth across start line in La Rochelle on 23 September and ninth heading out into the Bay of Biscay at the start of Race 2, Durban 2010 and Beyond has demonstrated that ocean racing is about long term planning and tactics and not short term gains.
