Henri Lloyd accept fourth pennant at Sydney prizegiving

Henri Lloyd skipper Eric Holden and his crew have been presented with their first winner’s pennant in Sydney for their Race 5 win. 

Second-placed OneDLL and third-placed Qingdao also received pennants for the 2100-mile race from Albany, Western Australia.

The first place for Henri Lloyd was the team's fourth consecutive podium place.

At the prizegiving at Vibe Hotel Rushcutters Bay, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “That was quite a tough race and these sailors are no longer amateurs. I am excited to see what they will do against the professionals in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. They have gone through the Southern Ocean in Mother Nature’s toughest conditions and have lived to tell the tale."

Eric Holden, skipper of Henri Lloyd, said: "This win has been a long time coming; we’ve been the bridesmaid for the last couple of races so it’s nice to do one better and win Race 5 into Sydney, Australia. People have been asking me if I would be happy winning the overall race without actually winning one of the races in the series. My answer is always yes, but it feels so much better to win a race then come second or third.

“What’s been interesting about this race has been the mixture of offshore and inshore racing. With the interchangeable weather it meant a lot more sail changes and a lot more work for the crew. Our strategy was to take it more conservatively and when our chance came we were ready to push hard and make it count," added Holden.

Henri Lloyd is top of the leader board with 58 points, with OneDLL in second place with 51 points, and Qingdao has leapt up to third, overtaking GREAT Britain with 43 points.

For the latest leaderboard standings, click here.