Cork Clipper crew reunited in Batam
All ten Clipper 09-10 teams reunited on solid ground as they arrived in Nongsa Point in Batam, Indonesia, during the week.
"Happy and sad," was how one crew member from Hull and Humber described it. "I'm happy that all the crews are in but sad that one of the boats isn't here."
Her comments referred to the absense of the Cork yacht which ran aground on a submerged reef. All of the Cork crew were transferred to other yachts and arrived safely in Batam, Indonesia, on board California and Team Finland.
Edinburgh Inspiring Capital's crew assisted in the salvage operation, working with the Qingdao team and Cork Skipper, Richie Fearnon, who stayed behind to recover as many of the crew's possessions as possible.
Edinburgh's Skipper, Mike Pike said that the race has been dominated by the loss of Cork which has hit everyone really hard.
Clipper Teams have something to look forward to as they will be part of a special ceremony hosted in their honour on Saturday, 23 January. The fleet will arrive at Marina at Keppel Bay at 10am at which the guest of honour is Singapore's Senior Minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong, who named Uniquely Singapore.
Details regarding whether or not the yacht can be repaired in time for the crew to get back into the race is still unknown.
For a detailed update, go to www.clipperoundtheworld.com.
