Clipper 2002/2003 Race - Home Sweet Home
11:30, 27 September 2003
by Tim Hedges

At 11 o'clock on the dot, Liverpool Clipper entered Canning Dock, followed at 2 minute intervals by the rest of the Clipper fleet until all were safely enclosed by the lock gates. Half an hour later when the water levels in this intricate lock network equalised, they were able to move into Albert Dock and tie up safely alongside thus closing the circle that started 11 months ago when they set off for the 2002 Round The World Race.

As someone who had spent the night cocooned in the quiet efficiency of a naval warship as we tracked the fleet on their final approach to the Mersey, the noise and bustle of the final finish was almost a shock to the senses. But how much more so to the crews who have spent most of the last year at sea with 15 people at most to share their thoughts and feelings.

Things started quietly enough. As dawn broke they had only HMS Edinburgh for company. Soon a helicopter approached, then a lone R.I.B. and before long a naval patrol boat was joined by a flotilla of well wishers. After crossing the finish line off Albert Dock the Clipper yachts formed up in formation on Edinburgh for a "lap of honour" along the Liverpool waterfront before passing into the inner docks to confetti and streamers and the cheers of the friends, family, fellow sailors and the thousands of people who had turned up just to be a part of this amazing spectacle.

But it is not over yet. A podium prize giving at 2 o'clock will be followed this evening by a huge party for 1000 people at St. Georges Hall. The Skippers and crew will need to get used to being back in the limelight.
, followed at 2 minute intervals by the rest of the Clipper fleet until all were safely enclosed by the lock gates. Half an hour later when the water levels in this intricate lock network equalised, they were able to move into Albert Dock and tie up safely alongside thus closing the circle that started 11 months ago when they set off for the 2002 Round The World Race.

As someone who had spent the night cocooned in the quiet efficiency of a naval warship as we tracked the fleet on their final approach to the Mersey, the noise and bustle of the final finish was almost a shock to the senses. But how much more so to the crews who have spent most of the last year at sea with 15 people at most to share their thoughts and feelings.

Things started quietly enough. As dawn broke they had only HMS Edinburgh for company. Soon a helicopter approached, then a lone R.I.B. and before long a naval patrol boat was joined by a flotilla of well wishers. After crossing the finish line off Albert Dock the Clipper yachts formed up in formation on Edinburgh for a "lap of honour" along the Liverpool waterfront before passing into the inner docks to confetti and streamers and the cheers of the friends, family, fellow sailors and the thousands of people who had turned up just to be a part of this amazing spectacle.

But it is not over yet. A podium prize giving at 2 o'clock will be followed this evening by a huge party for 1000 people at St. Georges Hall. The Skippers and crew will need to get used to being back in the limelight.

Source: Clipper 2002/2003 Round The World Race Official Site