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Clipper Race Update: A magnificent home port victory after nail biting finish

Race 14 got underway as crew members waved goodbye to the New York City skyline and looked towards the warm welcome they knew would be waiting for them when they arrived in Derry-Londonderry after the 2850 mile race.  The early days of the race saw gains and losses made by all boats as they chose different tactics in the light winds that they were faced with. The crews saw air and water temperatures plummet as the fleet neared the ice fields.

Jamaica Get All Right crossed the Scoring Gate first, with Derry~Londonderry~Doire second and Switzerland third all being awarded 3, 2 and 1 points respectively.  Old Pulteney claimed the Ocean Sprint.

With only 24 hours left in Race 14, after the Race Committee imposed a time limit of 22 June 1200 UTC. Derry~Londonderry~Doire and Team Garmin were racing bowsprit to bowsprit as everyone on land stayed glued to the race viewer in this nail biting finish. After Team Garmin played the perfect tactical manoeuvre it resurfaced from Stealth Mode in first place, however Derry~Londonderry~Doire kept its rivals at bay, regained the lead and being the closest boat to the original finish line off Greencastle, County Donegal at 155.1 miles took first place honours, spectacularly breaking the home port curse in one of the closest finishes so far in the Clipper 2013-14 Race.

Team Garmin took second and achieved its first podium result of the race at 163.9miles. It was a very closely fought battle for the final podium position with PSP Logistics, Jamaica Get All Right and GREAT Britain all within two miles of each other, however with stunning recovery from being in last place, 160 miles behind the fleet on day 4, it was Old Pulteney who took the final podium place.

View overall results here