The two clipper yachts, Ariel and Antiope, are presently heading for Iceland for their second crew change due on 12^th/13^th. This will mark their half way point of their four 17 day legs. Sir Chris Bonington is sailing with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in Ariel and we have had no reports yet of how he is enjoying life at sea. Sir Robin is due to stay for leg three before handing over to Jim Thom for the final leg. Mike Harry, skipper of Antiope will hand over at Reykjavik to Charlie Osborne. Charlie was skipper of Antiope in Clipper 96 but it is unrealistic to think he will find his way around as Mike will have stowed everything in completely different places. During the refit period Charlie, who runs his own Boat Electrical Company, rewired the clippers and so is an expert on this side also (he tells us!).

From Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

415 miles to go and now within motoring distance if the wind fails us. At present we are sailing at a very comfortable 7.5 knots and therefore declared today a shower day! Antiope is about 30 miles to the North of us and we are starting to think of plans of how we will amuse ourselves on arrival. We will need to store but this will mainly be to replenish the fresh provisions. You will be surprised, and against a common misunderstanding, that not everything in the galley gets curried. It all depends on the duty cook - but have you tried Lime Pickle in Porridge?

Regards RKJ

We are presently half way to Iceland steering 060 degrees (North East) and have just 300 miles to run to Reykjavik. Ariel is 50 miles south of us and we have been enjoying following winds force 3 to 4 for the last few days. The wind now looks as though it will back (move in an anti-clockwise direction) as we sail through a low pressure system.

The number one Yankee has been sew back together along the foot where it was damaged. Eight hours sewing so far from the all star team of Carline Goodhart, Greg Wilkins and Jim Grinyer. Other excitement was caused when the spinnaker ended up in the oggin (water) after we broke a halyard but we recovered it safely and without damage. At the present rate we should reach Reykjavik by Thursday morning.
Regards Mike et al Antiope

From Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

247 miles to go to Reykjavik. A rather dull and misty morning and all is well!. RKJ

Comments, feedback and other articles are welcome and should be addressed to either: cdemowbray@clipper-ventures.com or dcullen@clipper-ventures.com

Should you wish to communicate with either of the Clippers please refer to the article 'Satcoms made easy' (Yes, it's a lie) is a news items dated 11 June 98 on the Clipper Ventures' Home page