Next month will mark 15 years since the Clipper Round The World Race returned to Hull and was greeted by a huge crowd of well-wishers.
The gargantuan race started in the Humber on September 13, 2009 and concluded with a huge celebration on July 17, 2010 as the crews completed their 35,000-mile voyages after ten months at sea.
Tens of thousands of people lined the banks of the Humber and the quayside of Hull Marina to welcome back the crews after their gruelling challenge that saw them take on the world’s largest and most formidable oceans, endured violent storms and frustrating calms, extreme heat and bone-numbing cold. They also came to the aid of their fellow competitors in times of need while racing enthusiastically to win.
Tearful sailors ran off their yachts to embrace their children, husbands and wives as they were reunited after months away. The crew onboard the Hull and Humber – which came fourth – were relieved to be on dry land, after battling storms, a crash, an injured skipper and a man overboard.
The Spirit of Australia team came first overall in the 14-stage challenge, followed by Team Finland and Cape Breton Island.
Relive the big climax to the Clipper 09-10 Round The World Race in our gallery below from the Hull Daily Mail archives.