SINGAPORE - FRIDAY 14 FEBRUAY 2014: Qingdao is continuing to perform very strongly in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The team clinched fourth place, crossing the line less than an hour after the first boat, missing out on a podium position by just minutes; they are now in joint fifth place overall at the halfway point of the world’s longest ocean race.

    “This has been a particularly difficult race with unfavourable weather conditions delivering challenging headwinds, severe squalls and electrical storms on the one hand, and stifling temperatures with no wind on the other, explained Qingdao skipper Gareth Glover.

    “After struggling with the weather and being in twelfth through the scoring gate we managed to overtake much of the fleet to take fourth place. The last 24 hours produced some very close racing and while we are happy with fourth we’re still disappointed we didn’t get a podium position as we only just missed out.

    “However, it has been good preparation for the next race, our home leg into Qingdao, and everyone is determined to aim for a podium place.”

    Qingdao sailor Kun (Vicky) Song, who aims to complete a full circumnavigation to become the first Chinese woman to sail around the world, is very excited at the prospect of reaching home and being reunited with her mother who is receiving treatment for cancer in hospital. She has stayed in close contact via satellite phone from the boat.

    “I talk to my mum and she tells me to never give up, because she doesn’t give up fighting her cancer. This race has been like mental torture; it has been so long and so hot and when the boat is going nowhere it just drives you crazy.

    “I have been checking the route from Singapore to Qingdao already, checking the chart on the SeaPro; and seeing the familiar shape of the land and familiar names, I know I am on my way home. So are we tired and exhausted? Definitely. But are we going to do our best into our home port of Qingdao? Yes absolutely!”

    Another Qingdao sailor on board for the leg from Australia to China is Xiaohu Chen, a 39 year old professional skipper. He commented: “This is very different from the sailing I’m used to. It has been a very challenging but interesting experience. I am looking forward to the next race to Qingdao.”

    This is the fifth time Qingdao has participated in the Clipper Race and hosted the fleet. It is always a highlight for the crew and all the teams are looking forward to experiencing the famous Qingdao welcome.

    It will also be significant for the new fleet of twelve identical Clipper 70 yachts which were built in Qingdao. In a way it marks the yachts’ first circumnavigation as they are returning to where they were built for the first time since they left the shipyard over a year ago.

    Race 9 starts from Singapore on Wednesday 19 February and the yachts are expected to reach Qingdao between 7-9 March 2014.