Yacht crew set sail for Singapore

THE Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, one of ten yachts competing in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, has begun Race 5 to Singapore.

In near perfect conditions at Geraldton, western Australia, hundreds of spectators cheered the crews away on Saturday, with Spirit of Australia first across the line to the delight of the home crowd.

Speaking ahead of the start, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital's skipper, Matt Pike, said: "After such a lovely stopover with Christmas and New Year celebrations, I think it's going to take the crew a few days to get bedded back in, get back into race mode and get used to being at sea again."

Crew member, 18-year-old Angus MacPhail, one of six young unemployed people from the Capital who have been sponsored by the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme to take part, said: "It will be good to get out on the water and see some amazing places which I've never been to before."

The fleet is expected to arrive at Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore, in a spectacular welcome ceremony on the morning of Saturday, 23 January.

Edinburgh Inspiring Capital's progress can be followed at www.clipperroundtheworld.com