by Website Editor, 24 February 2012 (based on a news release provided by Marketing Edinburgh on behalf of the clipper and its crew)

Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, the Scottish entry in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, arrived in Qingdao, Shandong Province, yesterday (23 February) to a hero’s welcome after completing one of the toughest legs of the world’s longest ocean race - a journey that recalls memories of the great tea clipper races of the nineteenth century.

The vessel's distinctive purple livery made a big impact in the bright early morning sunshine and a freezing wind in Qingdao – and it was definitely too cold for kilts. The arrival reflected the Scottish team’s heroic efforts in completing this tough race, finishing in eighth place. They were greeted at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre with a spectacular ceremony including fireworks, drums and, not least, dozens of Chinese and international media who all fought to get pictures and interviews.

The photos below show the yacht arriving Qingdao ; the crew being welcomed by local children ; and crew member Anne Young of Glasgow coming ashore.



As they stepped on to the pontoon in Qingdao after 19 days at sea in this challenging stage from Singapore, the yacht's skipper, Gordon Reid, said, “it’s absolutely fantastic getting into Qingdao. It’s so overwhelming to see the crowds and such good fun to experience what they’ve done for us”.

Describing the gruelling days at sea Gordon said, “it got quite lumpy on the water outside Taiwan, as the weather got rough. Some waves being bigger than others, the largest ones felt like falling off a cliff in a double decker bus with no brakes – but it’s been fantastic. All in all the guys put in a great performance and it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable race”.

Upon arrival in Qingdao the Edinburgh Inspiring Capital crew of 12 was surrounded by dragon dancers whose performance demonstrated the respect the local people have for the crews. Gifts of flowers, hats and scarves were given to the crew and the skipper was draped in a yellow cape, which symbolises nobleness and in ancient China it was only worn when emperors and generals set out on battlefields and returned victorious.

The crew of the Scottish entry was visibly blown away by the spectacular welcome, including Anne Young from Glasgow. The 26-year-old, who has swapped life as an optometrist with a life changing experience at sea, said, “How overwhelming to get off a boat and see hundreds of people with flags, music and have children handing you flowers. It is such an incredible feeling". She added, “the rough weather at sea has been hard to deal with at times. At 45 degrees it’s hard to do the normal daily tasks like brushing your teeth, but to experience the actual sailing in speed was phenomenal”.

The Edinburgh Inspiring Capital crew - some on-board for the entire journey, others taking part over specific legs and many having never sailed before - includes a mum and son from Edinburgh, 18 transplant patients and professionals, including a double lung transplant recipient, and even a hairy ‘Heilan Coo’ - Hector, the boat's official mascot.

The crew were formally welcomed to the city by Wang Xiulin, Vice Mayor of Qingdao. He said, “battling treacherous waves and ferocious winds in this grim winter, you have successfully finished this harsh leg with your strong will, outstanding courage and professional sailing prowess. This remarkable feat allows the Qingdao citizens to once again experience the splendid world-class sailing event”.

During the stopover in Qingdao a diverse programme of cultural activities awaits the crew and skippers of the ten-strong fleet, including meeting local families and ceremonial activities, as well as sponsors, including Marketing Edinburgh, using the Clipper Race as a platform to do business and build relationships with Chinese organisations.

This is the fourth time Edinburgh has sponsored an entry and hosted the Clipper Race fleet. During this race, the city’s official promotional body, Marketing Edinburgh, will oversee an international campaign to maximise exposure for Edinburgh in selected ports. “The Clipper race offers a tremendous opportunity to engage with a massive worldwide audience,” said Lucy Bird, CEO of Marketing Edinburgh. “We will be working hard to promote Edinburgh’s profile in specific markets throughout the race, attracting the interest of the international business community, students and visitors".  Shandong Province has received particular attention from The Scottish Government in its China Plan, with various business initiatives being announced recently. It is also where Eric Liddell, the famous Olympic runner, is buried after his untimely death in 1945, in a Japanese internment camp at Weihsien (now Weifang).

The race started in Southampton, UK on 31 July 2011 and will end there on 22 July 2012 after taking 51 weeks to travel over 40,000 miles visiting 15 ports of call on six continents. The race was established 15 years ago by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world, in order to give ordinary people the chance to do something truly extraordinary.

For more details, see the Clipper Race website.