Home welcoming for Qingdao after triumphant Clipper race

Visit Seattle crossed the finish line at 00:04:11 local time (16:04:11 UTC), completing the 1,700 nautical mile race in 10 days, 9 hours, 34 minutes and 11 seconds.

Skipper Nikki Henderson said: "The result reflects the hard work and determination and grit displayed by everyone on this boat. Whilst we do feel for PSP Logistics, we can’t hide our elation!"

It’s the second win and third podium for Visit Seattle, who is third place in the overall Clipper Race standings. As the first team to arrive into the newly constructed Wanda Yacht Club in the West Coast New Area of Qingdao, Visit Seattle was given a full taste of the famous Qingdao welcome.

Visit Seattle crew member Christine Lamming, a photographer from the UK, said: "It has always been my dream to come into Qingdao as a winner – what a lucky lady I am and what a lucky team we are!"

The second placed Sanya Serenity Coast, Skippered by Australia Wendy Tuck, also enjoyed the colourful and warm welcome as the team celebrated its second place at the Wanda Yacht Club. Sanya Serenity Coast officially crossed the finish line at 01:12:58 local time (17:12:58 UTC), 1 hour and 25 minutes ahead of the third placed Liverpool 2018, and will earn double points for this race after playing its Joker Card.

Qingdao has achieved a podium twice so far, including a third place in the previous race from the Whitsundays, Australia, to Sanya. The result in Qingdao will be enough to keep the team in second place behind Sanya Serenity Coast in the overall Clipper 2017-18 Race Standings, with five races to go.

The full Clipper Race fleet is expected to have arrived by Friday 16 March and will be berthed at the Wanda Yacht Club until Friday 23 March, when the eleven teams will embark on the Mighty Pacific Leg 6, a 5,600 nautical mile race across the North Pacific from Qingdao to Seattle.