Liverpool 08 crossed the finish line in Qingdao, China today [Monday 3 April] in first place completing race six of the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. The Liverpool boat finished at 0557 local (2257 BST) just 21 minutes before Victoria – pipping the Canadian entry at the post in a nerve-wracking finish.

Under the Asian dawn, the yacht entered the Olympic Harbour to be welcomed by traditional Chinese dancing dragons and an army of musicians. Given that China is the world’s most populated country, the Liverpudlians had no shortage of supporters after their 1,400-mile journey, including Vice Major of Qingdao and Vice President of the Olympic Sailing Committee, Ms Zang Aimin.

Skipper Tim Magee said: “It has been a fantastic race and we have experienced all conditions. The finish was nerve-wracking, the wind was so light and currents strong so it was a bit of a lottery, but we managed to squeeze past Victoria at the finish.”

Liverpool crew member Vince McDermott added: “This is one of the shortest races, but it had everything; weather, incidents, drama – the lot! The icing on the cake is taking first place. It’s what this race is all about.”

The long awaited scenes of jubilation today came more than a month after originally planned following the fleets delay in the Philippines last month where the yachts underwent keel repairs. There is still everything to play for with the race just hitting the half way point.

Tim Magee continued “This win is a great reward for my crew who put everything in getting the boat back in the water in the Philippines. They are loving being back on the water, they fought hard in this race and it has paid off for them.”

The excitement builds this week as Dame Ellen MacArthur arrives in Qingdao in B&Q, – her record breaking trimaran, which will share a berth in the Olympic Harbour with the Clipper 68s. Ellen is racing from Dalian to Qingdao on her Asian Record Circuit and is expected in Qingdao on Thursday – just in time to see the restart of the Clipper Race on 8 April as they embark upon gruelling Pacific leg to Canada.

Finishing positions

1. Liverpool 08: Finished 0557 local time
2. Victoria: Finished 0618 local time ( 21 mins from leader)
3. Durban: Finished 0624 local time ( 27 mins)
4. Uniquely Singapore: 0641 local time ( 44 mins)
5. Cardiff: 0926 local time ( 3 hrs 29 mins)
6. New York: 1040 local time ( 4 hrs 43mins)
7. Qingdao: STILL RACING
8. westernaustralia.com: STILL RACING
9. Jersey: STILL RACING
10. Glasgow: STILL RACING