Henri Lloyd takes Clipper trophy
The world's longest yacht race comes to a closeHaving conquered Mother Nature’s toughest conditions during the 40,000 mile ocean odyssey, the team was victorious in the overall Clipper 2013-14 Race, claiming a total of eleven podiums and five overall wins to beat second-placed GREAT Britain.
OneDLL managed to hold onto third place.
Canadian Skipper of Henri Lloyd, Eric Holden, was bathed in champagne on stage as his team collected its prize from Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Henri Lloyd joint chief executive Paul Strzelecki and Race Director Justin Taylor.
Eric said: "My crew is the most loyal, hardest working and I am going to miss them hugely. It has been a life-changing adventure for the crew and I. the team’s drive, determination and strength has led us to exhaustion at times.
"Whenever I thought the team couldn’t be pushed any harder, they dug deeper through some of the worst sailing conditions I have ever seen on the planet. This is a very special moment for the team and I to be crowned champions.
"The welcome into London has far exceeded our expectations and it has been an incredible day."
Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, BAR Team Principle and Henri Lloyd ambassador, congratulated the team.
"What a fantastic effort by Eric and the team on board Henri Lloyd," he said. "The race has been a real marathon around the world over the past 11 months. To take part is an incredible achievement and congratulations to all those who helped the team claim the win overall.”
Thousands of spectators lined the banks of the River Thames to welcome home 270 international amateur crew on 12 70ft yachts as they formed a Parade of Sail which concluded with Tower Bridge lifting for the top three teams.
A total of 670 crew members from 42 different countries have battled hurricanes, survived a tornado, dealt with medical evacuations and the miraculous rescue of a man who went overboard in the Pacific Ocean for 90 minutes.
For more information and this and the next Clipper Round the World Race, go to: www.clipperroundtheworld.com
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