On Sunday 25th November the 3rd Leg of the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race started in Durban, South Africa. The 10 yachts representing the various world cities took off at 1 p.m. local time. ‘Hull and Humber’ took the lead followed by ‘Qingdao’ and ‘Nova Scotia’. On the other end of the start line it was ‘Jamaica’ over ‘Glasgow’, ‘Scotland with style’ and ‘Western Australia2011.com’.

Today was also the Preliminary Draw of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in Durban, so many of the world’s soccer leaders were present. Alex McLeish, Scotland’s Football Manager, visited the ‘Glasgow’ team together with other Scottish Football Association members before the race to wish them well and congratulate them on their current standing in the Race.

After days of preparations and partying the 22nd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers started in a Carnival like atmosphere. Some of the boat crews were in fancy dress. Crowds on the dock cheered loudly and local brass bands paraded and added their music to the festivites. A total of 235 yachts sailed from Las Palmas. The rally across the Atlantic ends in St. Lucia, about 2,700 nautical miles away.

The weather was fine at the start despite a small shower. A swell is running and 20 knot trade winds from the North are set to continue. The 22 yachts in the RORC IRC Racing took off 20 minutes ahead of the Cruising Fleet.

What do you think? Will the 33rd America’s Cup take place on time? Is this conflict going to lead to the death of the America’s Cup event? Your comments are welcome.

It’s pretty awful the efforts the Japanese go to get whale meat on the restaurant menu. After all we have done for the Japanese car industry! Whale watching is an industry that needs protection from these thugs. Comments welcome.