Clipper’s Hobart triumph

Derry Londonderry Doire at the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in Sydney, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING

This was the crew’s first podium position of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Londonderry was ahead of second placed Great Britain which finished at 09:11:43 (22:11UTC) and third-placed Old Pulteney which finished at 09:55 (22:55 UTC).

It was victorious in a closely fought 628-mile sprint by the 12-strong Clipper Race fleet from Sydney which saw gusting winds in excess of 50 knots and five metre waves.

Londonderry finished in 29th position for overall Line Honours in the race out of a total starting fleet of 94 boats, with final handicap positions to be announced on Tuesday.

The team also wins Race 6 of the Clipper Race and the Clipper 70 One Design class that was created by the RSHYR organisers, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA).

Skipper Sean McCarter said: “It was very intense and definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest races. It had a bit of everything. At first there was not enough wind, then there was almost too much wind at the end.

“The last 36 hours was a real slog and it was really difficult. Hats off to all the guys who have done a fantastic job. We have been close to winning a race a few times so to make it happen in one of the most famous races in the world is unbelievable.

“We are so grateful for all the support back home, it’s almost like having an extra crew member. It means so much to us.”

The 12 Clipper Race teams, who are almost half way round the world in their adventure of a lifetime, raced against some of the world’s best professional sailors in the 94-yacht spectacle which started in front of tens of thousands of spectators on Boxing Day.

Race 7 to Brisbane will start on Wednesday, January (1).