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7 March 2003, 01:17 pm

Hong Kong 1st to Japan

Clipper 2002/2003 Round the World Race

Hawaii, USA - Yukohama, HKG

Hong Kong crossed the finish line at 0700 GMT as the provisional winner of Race 6 of the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race.

After approaching the line at 9 knots with a fair wind, the breeze started to drop. As they approached the line there was then a severe wind shift to the NW. Justin Taylor said 'Suddenly we found we were headed and not crossing the line as planned and had to put in an unexpected tack. I think we have arrived at the finish at the same time as the Low Pressure system'.

There will, quite justifiably be lots to celebrate in Hong Kong Clipper but with the wind veering markedly what is going to happen to the rest of the fleet? Initially the boats in the west will have a windward advantage but as it goes round to the north it could open up the game once again.

At 0910 GMT the next four boats were all within 50 miles of the finish with Cape Town Clipper and New York Clipper bringing up the rear.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUSTIN AND HIS CREW!

Colinsan/ISAF Secretariat

World Sailing TV

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