Podium for Zhuhai as it sails into Fremantle in second place

It’s day one of arrivals, and second to arrive in Fremantle was Zhuhai, securing its second consecutive podium position of the Clipper 2023-24 Race. The team topped its current best after placing third in the previous Race 3: TIMEZERO South Atlantic Showdown.

Image: Zhuhai arrive in Fremantle in second place

A great race from the Chinese team, Zhuhai hasn’t been shy to push for the top spot, spending consecutive days rotating the lead with Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam. Hot on its tails until the end, there was less than 60nm between the two teams when Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam took the victory spot earlier today.

Crossing the Finish Line at 08:06:09 UTC, Zhuhai arrived at the sailing club with smiles to match the sunshine as it was given an Aussie welcome of cold beers and a sausage sizzle hosted by the Fremantle Sailing Club – a welcome sight after 22 days at sea!

Image: Zhuhai Race Crew happy with an Aussie welcome

Skipper James Finney said “I am so proud of the team; it's been an incredible race. We were strong from the start. I knew we had a good group, but I didn’t know they were going to be this good. It was fantastic, really good fun. We had a bit of a wobble in the middle, lost a few places, but managed to claw it back. I’m just so proud of how the team has managed to hold itself together, we certainly got tested.

“We set off in first and then were lucky enough to stay in it for a while. We got the right side of some decent weather, and it was so great for the crew to be leading at the front of the fleet. Coming second is just fantastic.

“When you’re out at sea, you start off feeling your boat is pretty big, but then the waves get bigger and your little island starts to feel very tiny as you’re the only spot of colour in this big expanse of grey.”

Image: Second place champagne spray

Adding to the sentiment of what it feels like to be in second place, AQP Mike Davies said “What a journey that was! Being out in first for about half of the race, and then Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam overtaking us. Then we crawled back, and we thought we might just have it, but they put the burners on and took away. But for us it’s our first second place and we’re buzzing.

“It was a tough leg, big seas, tiredness, sail changes. It is hard work, but it’s worth it.”

Leg 3 Race Crew and Zhuhai Ambassador Xiaotong (Sia) Huang said “I’m so glad to be here in Australia after a wonderful race and to finish in second place!

Image: Zhuhai Ambassador Sia

“Sailing with James and Mike has been such a great experience, as my first-time ocean sailing it has been wonderful and I want to do it again, and again. I want to do all the oceans!

“It was cold, and it was wet. But now I’m here and I think about the waves and the conditions, I just think it’s amazing. We saw whales, we saw dolphins, it feels so different to be away from it all and surrounded by water.”

Image: Happy faces as supporters meet up with their loved ones

Congratulating the team, Host Port and Team Partner Jiuzhou Group Holdings said, “Congratulations! We are so happy to hear that you are the second place in Leg 3 (Race 4), thanks to your hard work and great efforts.

“As we know, there are big waves and strong winds during this leg, but Zhuhai team conquered all the difficulties and well done, we are proud of you, and together with you all the time.

“Have a good rest and good luck! Hope you will get faster and stronger in the future. Looking forward to seeing you in Zhuhai next March.”

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