Clipper crew in China after toughest leg of race

Feb 18 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE crew of the Liverpool 08 clipper arrived in China over the weekend at the end of the toughest leg of the Round the World Yacht Race so far.

After arriving in Qingdao, the team was escorted from their yacht along a red carpet to be greeted by local dignitaries including Madam Zang, executive chairwoman of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, and Clipper chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Ben Galloway and the crew of Liverpool 08 were relieved to have finished the Asian leg of the race. Mr Galloway said: “It has been a tough leg due to constant injury, wetness and wind in your face, and this will definitely be a race we remember in years to come but hopefully will not have to re-live again.”

The welcome ceremony, laid on by the Olympic Sailing Committee, included the presentation of a Chinese velvet embroidered cape, traditionally worn by Chinese emperors, to the skipper. Each of the crew members were presented with a bouquet of fresh flowers before being escorted to a giant stage for speeches and Champagne.

Mr Galloway told the crowd: “We’re all looking forward to a hot shower, a change of clothes and a warm bed.”