Bob Beggs’ Bristol Clipper finished third in the final leg, from Jersey to Portsmouth, to win the overall Times Clipper trophy worth ‘10,000. The crew of her sole rival for the crystal sculpture – Paul De La Haye’s Jersey Clipper – knew that they needed to finish four places ahead of the West Country express in this final leg to deny Bristol the spoils.

De La Haye and his crew started brightly from the midday start off Noirmont Point, Jersey yesterday but knew that Beggs would position Bristol right on their stern to prevent the Channel Islanders developing separation and possibly winning the overall title. Jersey sailed fast and well and collected line honours at 1044.58 on 26 September, then waited to see where Bristol would finish.

Jersey’s crew didn’t have to wait long. Liverpool Clipper rolled over the line at 1101.52 to claim second in this leg, and a triumphant Bristol crossed at 1104.32, taking third place and overall victory.

The fleet returned to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, over eleven months after slipping their lines to start the Times Clipper Race, and the celebrations began in earnest. There were marching bands, civic dignitaries and thousands of friends and spectators lining the quay to get a view of the eight identical 60ft yachts.

The Times Clipper Race: Race 16, Jersey – Portsmouth
Finishing places and times on 26 September 20011. Jersey Clipper – 1044.582. Liverpool Clipper – 1101.523. Bristol Clipper – 1104.324. Glasgow Clipper – 1111.465. Plymouth Clipper – 1120.296. Portsmouth Clipper – 1136.587. London Clipper – 1145.128. Leeds Clipper – 1149.02Final overall positions – points1. Bristol Clipper – 97.42. Jersey Clipper – 963. London Clipper – 824. Liverpool Clipper – 775. Plymouth Clipper – 756. Portsmouth Clipper – 727. Leeds Clipper – 408. Glasgow Clipper – 38