History made as Clipper race skipper becomes first woman to win world race

It was a battle to see who will seal the win – Wendy or the youngest ever Clipper Race Skipper Nikki Henderson of Visit Seattle. Despite Visit Seattle playing its Joker Card (a device which double the race points earned) Nikki Henderson fell just short but her four podiums over the last year meant she and her team will take second place overall, despite the results of Saturday’s sprint.

Delighted with the female one-two finish, Clipper Race Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, said: "There's never been a race, a round the world race, where you've had the two leading Skipper both be women. This is a first. And when you look at what they are racing against, the experience of the other Clipper Race Skippers, you realise that this is really very special."

"The impact of the success of both Wendy and Nikki cannot be underestimated. If this gets even one more girl start sailing and dreaming big, then I’ll consider everything we have done over the last eleven months a huge success."

Sanya made its debut as a Host Port and Race Partner in the Clipper 2017-18 Race and has also signed on for the 2019-20 edition. Boasting picture perfect white sandy beaches, pristine water, a balmy climate and 300 days of sunshine per year, China's idyllic holiday destination lives up to its reputation as the "Hawaii of China" and has used the Clipper 2017-18 Race as a vehicle to promote itself as a tourist destination.

In congratulating the team, Xu Zhenling, Vice Mayor of Sanya, said: "After more than 40,000 nautical miles and nearly a year of global travel, you have completed one of the most challenging extreme sailing events in the world and won the championship! I feel great glory for you!"

"Wendy, the great and respectable good captain, she infects every member of the Sanya Serenity Coast crew with her outstanding skills and tenacity. Wendy is the hero of the fleet and Sanya! I want to cheer for Wendy and cheer for the crew!"

"On behalf of the Sanya government and all the citizens, I thank you for your support and dedication," the vice mayor said.

The other Chinese Clipper Race entry, Qingdao, won Race 13, crossing the line at 10:04:04 UTC on Friday 27 July to finish 28 minutes ahead of the second placed Liverpool 2018, whilst Garmin was third.

A record 33 people from China are taking part in the Clipper 2017-18 Race, some of whom are the official Ambassadors on board Sanya Serenity Coast and Qingdao. The Ambassador program was developed as a way to promote the cities of Sanya and Qingdao and establish strong relationships between the Chinese crew and the 700 other crew members who hail from 41 nations.

The Clipper Race is unique in that it trains non-professionals to be ocean faring sailors. Established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world, 40 per cent of Clipper Race crew have no previous sailing experience before signing up and undergoing the compulsory four weeks of training.

In total, 712 people representing 41 different nationalities from all walks of life have taken part in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Race.