Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam sails back into Portsmouth as Clipper Race champions
by Clipper Round the World 27 Jul 2024 21:50 BST
Today the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race drew to a close at the Grand Finale at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, where the Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam proudly sailed in as Clipper Race champions!
The team had put in an exceptional performance over the course of the eleven month circumnavigation with numerous race wins and podiums. It was all to play for going into the final race of the event, with just three points separated Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam and second-placed Perseverance, with third placed Zhuhai just four points behind Perseverance, making for an extremely tense final race of the edition. However, despite finishing the final race in fifth place, they managed to gain just enough points to take the win (by one point!) over Perseverance overall.
The Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam team led the Parade of Sail from Bembridge Ledge to Southsea Castle, and then home into Gunwharf Quays where cheering crowds of friends, families, fans and locals cheered in the teams after the 40,000nm adventure.
After an emotional arrival on the dock where the team was greeted by past crew, friends and family, it was time to take to the stage to lift the Clipper Race trophy.
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