Spirit of Australia emerges victorious in Round the World Race
Agent General Kerry Sanderson congratulating Skipper Brendan Hall.
A spectacular welcome greeted the crew of Spirit of Australia at the end of their 35,000-mile circumnavigation in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. The Spirit of Australia, skippered by Brendan Hall, was one of ten ocean racing yachts in the race crewed by non-professional sailors that battled the elements on the open sea.
The Agent General for Western Australia Kerry Sanderson AO was there to present the trophy to Brendan and his crew. She said, “The win and the seamanship shown on the race was outstanding and Australians are very proud of you and the team.”
Brendan Hall said of the win, “Finishing in first place feels unbelievable. That was the seminal moment of my sailing career. All the hard work over the past two years and all the hard work of the team over the past ten months is finally recognised in public by everybody… It’s absolutely fantastic and one of the best moments of my life!”
The welcome reception received at the end of the race in Hull, UK echoed that received by the boats in Geraldton, WA for the start of Race 5, the Singapore leg of the event in January 2010. Spirit of Australia was first across the start line to the delight of the hundreds of supporters who lined the breakwater at Geraldton
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race first visited Australia in December 2005 when Australia’s debut entry in the race, westernaustralia.com, brought home the Clipper Race Trophy and the title of Clipper 05-06 Race champions.
FINAL POSITIONS
The final results of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race are:
1 Spirit of Australia 128 points
2 Team Finland 105.3 points
3 Cape Breton Island 104 points
4 Hull & Humber 98 points
5 Jamaica Lightning Bolt 98 points
6 Uniquely Singapore 76 points
7 Qingdao 74 points
8 Cork 56.8 points
9 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 53 points
10 California 42 points
