The Derry clipper has won the last leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to cement its second place in the overall race..
The DerryLondonderryDoire finished just 29 seconds ahead of Visit Seattle in the race from Den Helder in Holland to London, which finished of the south coast of England.
LMAX Exchange finished third to take the overall race honours.
It is the Derry’s crew’s fifth leg win in the round the world challenge.
However, it was not enough as they take second place only four points behind the overall winners.
Skipper Ian Smith was delighted with the performance of his crew.
He said: "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. 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.
"Tomorrow is a very special day, 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.
Crew member Ruth Charles reflected on her and the team's achievement. "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.”
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