Positions Yet to be Decided Between GREAT Britain and Nasdaq

RACE UPDATE: Based on photographic evidence from both GREAT Britain and Nasdaq the result is inconclusive. Eighth and ninth place will be decided following a Race Committee evaluation.

Regardless of the result, it was a finish that will go down in Clipper Race history, with GREAT Britain and Nasdaq crossing the finish line in a thrilling photo finish on Sydney Harbour.

After 2,500 nautical miles and two weeks of racing, incredibly GREAT Britain and Nasdaq were neck and neck as they entered the Sydney Heads. Both teams refused to give an inch as they made the most of light winds on Sydney Harbour.

“It was exhilarating, it was absolutely amazing,” says GREAT Britain round the world crew member Pip O’Sullivan.

“We couldn’t believe it when we came round the Sydney Heads into Sydney Harbour and we suddenly had Nasdaq right on our starboard side! And then they crept ahead of us; we couldn't believe that we had travelled thousands of miles and then this happened!

“Obviously when we were in the harbour, trying to negotiate our way through all the boats, all the little dinghies, and gybing at literally exactly at the same time as each other. It was so exciting.

GREAT Britain round the world crew member Tessa Hicks added: “What a wonderful race right to the end. It was fantastic!

“We’ve had every sort of condition in just the last few watches. We’ve been becalmed, we’ve had rough weather, and we’ve had a champagne sail. What a great race.”

Eighth or ninth, it will still be a great finish for Nasdaq, who just days ago had sat in eleventh place on the leader board. The team managed to navigate the light airs off the east coast of Tasmania and close down a 30 nautical mile deficit to overtake both Liverpool 2018 and HotelPlanner.com.N

asdaq Skipper Rob Graham says: "We had a bit of everything in that race. We had a lot of wind holes and a few rough days, as well a second trip down to the Southern Ocean and a finish as close as you can get.

"It’s great to be in Sydney, my first time here, and what a way to arrive!"

The Clipper Race Committee will meet to discuss the photographic evidence from both GREAT Britain and Nasdaq. At present, the result is inconclusive. Eighth and ninth place will be decided following the Race Committee evaluation.

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