Skipper proud after missing out on Clipper series crown

“We set out to win this race to London, as we have done the whole way round the world, so it is great to go out on a high,” he said.

“We knew our fate wasn’t in our own hands so all we could do was give it our best shot and the team has proved how strong we are.

“It’s hard to believe that we have finished the race, but our aim was to be competitive, get everyone round safely and to have fun doing it. I couldn’t be more proud of the crew,” he added.

LMAX Exchange was only six points ahead of the Londonderry going into Race 14, meaning everything was left to play for with twelve points up for grabs.

But despite the Londonderry taking line honours off Southend Pier, its fourth race win of the series, the team only clawed back two of the six points needed.

Londonderry crew member Ruth Charles said: “I am looking forward to writing my Christmas cards this year with the sign off of ‘circumnavigator’.”

“I am very proud of this team and myself for everything we have achieved, including this final victory.

“The closeness of the finish made us work twice as hard, and it’s always good to cross the finish line just in front of another team. We are happy to share it with Visit Seattle,” she added.