Clipper battles elements to reach Brazil in 7th spot

Wednesday 19th October 2005, 12:00AM BST.

AFTER a three-week battle through variable weather conditions and technical difficulties, the Jersey Clipper has finally arrived in Salvador to a Brazilian welcome of dancing, music and caipirinhas.

The crew faced a final frustration after a 3,500 mile transatlantic crossing when the wind died just short of the finish line.

Skipper Mark Taylor said: ‘It does not get any easier! Wind died, tide turned against us and we finally crossed the finish line doing 0.6 knots.

Another 15 minutes and we would have had to anchor and wait for the tide to turn.’ Western Australia were the first to arrive on Monday after holding their lead for nearly a week.

Liverpool was next into the port, beating contenders Cardiff by just a quarter of a mile and three minutes.

Jersey finished seventh.

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