Clipper Race fleet arrives home after first circumnavigation

After 40,000 miles and almost 11 months at sea, the Clipper 70 fleet returned home to the Clipper Race’s Gosport HQ following its  spectacular Race Finish at St Katharine Docks, London on Saturday.

With thousands of miles already under its belt, the matched fleet left St Katharine Dock’s, London yesterday with one last destination in sight - Gosport, Hampshire.

The fleet arrived at Endeavour Quay this afternoon where crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the international fleet after completing its first of four circumnavigations.

Skipper of Jamaica Get All Right, Pete Stirling who also skippered Jamaica Lightning Bolt in the Clipper 2009-10 Race was pleased to arrive home safely:

“The last 11 months have been incredible. For me it was really interesting getting to know the Clipper 70 compared to the last Clipper 68 fleet - the fleet is certainly matched in speed and performance. There were races when just seconds separated teams in the closing stages of a 3,000 mile race.

When asked if the Hampshire based skipper would make it a hat-trick, he said, “Never say never! Although right now I’m quite looking forward to some home comforts on dry land.”

The delivery was crewed by Clipper 2013-14 Race crew, eager to return the boats back to Gosport where they started their initial training. Bob Baker, 52 from Essex who competed in Leg 7, 8 on board GREAT Britain explained:

“For me this was all about closure. I started my training In Gosport 18 months ago and I wanted to be one of the crew to return our boat back to where my adventure began.”

The GREAT Britain yacht is staying in St Katharine Docks, London for a week of business networking and crew recruitment events and open boat tours are available throughout the daytime. For more details on all London recruitment activity and boats tours  CLICK HERE.