The Chinese team entry Qingdao wins the fourth race of fifteen in the Clipper 2019-20 Race circumnavigation to remain on top of the overall leaderboard. Celebrating not only a fourth podium and third win this victory was secured with 100 days to go until the fleet is expected to reach the sailing city.

With 100 days to go until the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race stops in Qingdao, China the team entry of the same name, representing the Chinese sailing city, wins Race 4: the Marlow Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride.

Since leaving Cape Town, South Africa, on Sunday 17 November, it has been a three-week, 4,700 nautical mile, game of cat and mouse, between the two leading Clipper Race teams, but it was Qingdao which clinched a narrow victory. The team, flying the flag for China’s sailing city, pipped closest rival Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam to the finish line outside of Fremantle Sailing Club, Australia, crossing the finish line at 18:41:35 UTC on 7 December.

On arrival Skipper Chris Brooks said:“It’s been an epic journey. Above anything else the weather has been challenging, just keeping positive when there is nothing but rain and grey skies. But it’s been amazing, so brilliant to come in first.”

The Southern Ocean is famed for its conditions, huge seas, cold weather and big winds, and round the world Qingdao Ambassador Crew Yi Zheng enjoyed the challenge of helming in these conditions saying:“I am really happy to have been taking on more responsibility on board It’s been pretty hard going on the helm. The ocean is freezing and it has been a big challenge. Every time I am at the helm I just want to be fast and straight. My aim is to help steer the team safely and fast towards our next destination and I am very proud to have crossed the Southern Ocean and win another race.”

Winning the fourth race of fifteen sees Qingdao keep up its winning ways, with this the teams third win in a row and fourth podium out of four. Adding another 11 points, plus 3 bonus points from crossing the Scoring Gate first, to its overall tally, Qingdao should remain top of the overall leaderboard going into the next race to Whitsundays.

Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee said:“Congratulations to Qingdao, Skipper Chris and all the crew on continuing the lead in overall standings throughout Race 4. We wish you enjoyable times in the following races and keep up the great performance!”

Qingdao is the longest standing Clipper Race Host Port and Team Partner and this edition will see the race return to the city for an eighth consecutive edition. The fleet will be welcomed into the Qingdao Olympic Sailing centre from 17 March 2020 for a 10 day stopover filled with cultural events, celebrations and business activities.

The Clipper Race fleet will be berthed at Fremantle Sailing Club until 22 December, when the eleven yachts will depart for a 3,415nm race around Australia to the Whitsundays. From the Whitsundays in Queensland, it will then be back into the Northern Hemisphere to China where teams will race to Qingdao, via Sanya and Zhuhai; across the mighty North Pacific Ocean to Seattle; to New York, via the famous Panama Canal; and then it’s a final Atlantic crossing with stops in Bermuda and Derry-Londonderry, before the crew arrive back to London’s Royal Albert Dock as fully proven ocean racers.