Chris Broughton from Ipswich, who is profoundly deaf from Colchester, is having an exciting time this year. He is a member of the crew of the Durban Clipper yacht, taking part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. They sailed from Liverpool on 18 September 2005, and are expected to return on 29 July 2006.

Latest News - Leg 5 on 6th May 2006

The Durban yacht crossed the finishing line at Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at the end of Leg 5 after crossing across the North Pacific from Qingdao (China) on 8th April 2006 to Victoria (Canada) on 6th May 2006. It was just less than four hours before its nearest rivals Liverpool 08 and Cardiff crossing the line. This leg 5 is widely considered as the longest, coldest and toughest leg to date in the history of the Clipper Race.

Dunbar's second finishing position propelled its overall race position after Race 7 to second overall, which clearly boasts Chris Broughton and his crew aboard the yacht and, more warmly, which earns the crew the rewards and the congratulation from the British Columbia Prime Minister, Gordon Campbell

Durban picked up specialist-made crystal trophies at the prize giving ceremony a few days later, marking their second place position in the race across the North Pacific from China to Canada.

The race took the Durban boat 29 days to cross over 5,600 miles; it was again a fight to the bitter end for Durban, with Liverpool 08 breathing down her neck the whole length of the final stretch down the Juan de Fuca Strait. The crew had endured Arctic conditions with driving blizzards and ice so thick on deck that the crew had to climb around the boat on their hands and knees. Air temperatures dipped to as low as -15 degrees and sea temperature just above freezing at 2 degrees. Yet, Gale force winds, Arctic temperatures and blizzards failed to slow the South African entry as they fought against rivals, Liverpool 08 right up to the very last mile.

The prize giving celebrations were particularly special for the city of Victoria as they witnessed their sponsored boat (Victoria) arrive in first position on 5th May. It is the first time that a yacht has finished first into its home port in the history of the race and Skipper Ewan Hind is delighted that he has broken the ‘curse of the home port.’

Gordon Campbell, British Columbia Premier said “The Clipper Race adds another dimension to the character of Victoria and to the international flavour of British Columbia. I hope everyone arrives safely and securely back into Liverpool this summer.”

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc said “This has been a very tough leg, both for its length and the arduous weather conditions. It has been a real test of crew character and Durban has shown plenty of it.”

The yachts will be in Victoria until May 17, 2006. They will then begin the final two legs of the race, returning to Liverpool, UK on 29 July 2006.