Clipper crew on ‘wet and wild’ leg

THE Capital’s entry in the Clipper Round the World yacht race has seen a “wet and wild” start to the event’s 11th leg.

Edinburgh Inspiring Capital set off from Panama on Monday, heading for New York, and has risen to fifth in the rankings.

Skipper Flavio Zamboni said the crew had been settling back into the routine of sailing after passing through the Panama Canal.

“The first 24 hours of this race have been, not surprisingly, wet and wild,” he said. “We picked up consistent trades shortly after starting and since then it has been sailing on the wind in about 20 knots of breeze and two-metre seas.

“The fleet is still very close together and positions in the standings change frequently.

“Since these conditions are expected to last for about 72 more hours, this first part of the race is going to be very much about strength and endurance.

“After the break in Panama, it is now business as usual on board. Everybody has found their sea legs again and days are marked by the rhythm of the watch system.”