GOLD COAST AUSTTRALIA WINS HALIFAX TO DERRY LONDONDERRY RACE.

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

After three hundred and twenty two hours of racing across the Atlantic from Halifax to Derry Londonderry Gold Coast Australia crossed the finish line between Dunagree Point Light and Fairway Mark Foyle at 02:37 UTC on 29th June 2012 to win race 13 of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

It has been a fantastic effort by all the crew who worked incredibly hard for this victory. Today was one of our busiest days as the winds were variable between 5 and 25 kts, as a result we made no less than 15 sail changes today alone. The wind was very kind to us however as we received far more than the predicted wind strength.

Only 20nm from the finish line Gold Coast Australia hooked a lobster pot on our keel, and this took us about 40 minutes to try to get it off. I was almost prepared to dive in and cut the line as the wind was beginning to drop off and we did not want to be stuck there all night as Singapore was making some fantastic miles on us.

Congratulations must go out to the rest of the fleet who had a far tougher race than us when they got stuck on the western side of Tropical Storm Chris and no doubt had to work very hard throughout the race. Our tactical decision to pass to the eastern side of Chris was a fantastic move and most certainly won us the race.

Our welcome into Derry Londonderry has been fantastic with no less than eight boats who cam out to greet us so early in the morning. It was a brilliant reception and as we crossed the line the Coast Guard sounded the horn and gave us a magnificent display of welcome.

Richard Hewson
Gold Coast Australia

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Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

2 thoughts on “GOLD COAST AUSTTRALIA WINS HALIFAX TO DERRY LONDONDERRY RACE.”

  2. Rich
    your a blurry legend = Just been speaking to matty stephens – he reckons we will have to sweep the foot path for you and your exalted crew –
    well done mate – good/ if not great call to go it alone south of the low – even signapore new the best way to catch you was to stay close.
    race points look great at the moment – now only two more legs to win and you’ll have your record
    take good care of all those cloest to you and all the best to Wayne Reed

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