Hong Kong Clipper, skippered by Justin Taylor, took line honours at 2259 last night (Monday, 4 November), to win the first leg of the Clipper round the world yacht race from Liverpool to Cascais.

Johnathan Brockhouse and the Jersey Clipper crew then raced across the finish line at 2306 to secure an impressive second place after an intense match between the two lead boats.

The atmospheric arrival saw families and race supporters welcoming the crews aboard Hong Kong and Jersey Clippers, who are now in for a well-earned rest during the Cascais Stopover, sponsored by Camara Municipal De Cascais and the Marina De Cascais.

With the winning pair of Hong Kong and Jersey across the finishing line at Cascais, all eyes now turn to the spirited battle for third place; Chris Hazeldene and his London crew versus Sam Fuller and her New Yorkers.

Commenting at the finish line, Hong Kong’s Justin Taylor expressed his delight at clinching an importance first victory. “The run over the last 48 hours has been breathtaking and had everyone on their toes. We’ve had tough times on board and it’s been a challenge for all, but mostly we’ve enjoyed immensely exciting racing.”

After eight hard days of racing and beating through Biscay in gales, the crews have been truly initiated into the sport. Some parts of the first race have been frustrating, others infuriating, but the run down the Portuguese coast had been quite exhilarating. In all, it has been round the world racing at its finest!

Racing for the next stage of Leg 1, Portugal to Cuba, will start on Sunday, 10 November at 1200 with the crews facing their first ocean crossing, a 4,060 nautical-mile race to Cuba.