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12.07.2014 / Race Finish
Emotional homecoming into London for Clipper Race crews
den helder, the netherlands to London, St Katharine Docks
The Clipper Race fleet has returned to a heroes’ welcome in London eleven months after setting off, having conquered Mother Nature’s toughest conditions during the 40,000 mile ocean odyssey.
Thousands of spectators lined the banks of the River Thames to welcome home 270 international amateur crew on 12 70-ft yachts as they formed a Parade of Sail which concluded with Tower Bridge lifting for the top three teams.
A total of 670 crew members from 42 different countries have battled hurricanes, survived a tornado, dealt with medical evacuations and the miraculous rescue of a crew member who went overboard in the Pacific Ocean for 90 minutes.
Winning team Henri Lloyd was presented with the Clipper Race trophy at a prizegiving ceremony in St Katharine Docks having been victorious in the world’s longest ocean race.
Canadian Skipper Eric Holden was bathed in champagne by his team on stage. He said: “It has been a life-changing adventure for the crew and I. The team’s drive, determination and strength have inspired me.
“Whenever I thought the team couldn’t be pushed any harder, they dug deeper through some of the worst sailing conditions I have ever seen on the planet. This is a very special moment for the team and I to be crowned champions.”
Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, nonstop round the world in 1968/9 said: “The crews have crossed all the world’s oceans, suffered the frustrations of the calms, the apprehension of the largest waves to be seen anywhere on the planet, experienced the vagaries of the weather systems, seen ports and scenery that they never expected, met people from vary different cultures, and, perhaps most of all, shared all these adventures with a group of people who were strangers just over a year ago but who will now remain friends for life.
“They have widened their horizons and have memories to cherish that can only be won through real hands-on participation.”
Meg Reilly, an American round the world crew member on Henri Lloyd, said: "This year has been a test of will and determination, finding our individual limits and pushing beyond them.
“At the beginning of this journey, our skipper Eric built this team on a foundation of respect; and that's why we are a happy boat who ultimately became round the world race champions. We've learned more this year about ourselves and human nature than we ever will. The sailing part was just an extra bonus."
The race left the UK’s capital on 1 September 2013 and since then the teams have visited 16 ports in 11 countries and six continents during the 16-race series.
Crew Blog
"The reception into London has been amazing, sending a shiver down your spine as you reflect on what's been a a hugely challenging year, but the biggest challenge now is to remember what 'normal' life was like! !"
Nick Blewer - Derry~Londonderry~Doire
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