Qingdao sails to third spot in Clipper overall standing

The Qingdao yacht has secured the third place in overall standing of 2017-2018 Clipper Round the World yacht race, the best ranking ever in all its seven participations since 2005.

Qingdao secured the third spot after beating out home team Liverpool 2018 and Garmin to win Race 13 from Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to Liverpool, the United Kingdom.

The yacht crossed the finish line on Friday to secure first place and its fourth podium overall.

The team was strong right from the start on the River Foyle on July 22 and didn't drop any lower than second throughout the 900 nautical mile dash around Ireland to Liverpool.

Qingdao skipper Chris Kobusch said: "It has been a fantastic race and I am extremely happy and proud of the effort my team has put in.

"To be able not only to secure the Race 13 victory but also guarantee our Race Team Partner Qingdao its first overall podium is extremely satisfying. The entire team has been working towards this goal for the past year and it is amazing to realize that we have done it."

Sanya Serenity Coast, making its debut, topped the overall standing, followed by Visit Seattle.