Qingdao delivers a hero's welcome

Huge crowds packed in to Qingdao s famous Olympic Sailing Centre in order to welcome in the winning boat as Race 6 reached its dramatic conclusion.

The site was a riot of colour with thousands of red paper lanterns festooned across the marina. Underneath them, Chinese dragon dancers, massed drummers and school children dressed in tiger headgear all made themselves heard with a noisy and enthusiastic celebration.

To a loud explosion and great plumes of colourful fireworks, Spirit of Australia entered the marina and her crew walked in to the most incredible tribute. In the heart of the flag waving crowds were many of the local dignitaries including Xia Geng, Mayor of Qingdao and Clipper Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Through a scrum of around 100 press photographers and TV crews, the familiar Australian bush hat of skipper Brendan Hall could just be seen as he and his crew waved to the crowds. As Mayor Xia greeted the Brisbane based sailor, he was presented with a long red cloak and a tiger headdress to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.

Suitably attired, the crew were presented with Chinese New Year scarves, a tiger mascot and a posy of flowers by the school children who led them by the hand towards the stage.

If the crew looked to be in shock, they could be forgiven because in front of them, the crowds stretched as far as the eye could see. Mayor Xia welcomed them to the city, saying, It is the third time the Clipper Race has stopped at Qingdao and I d like to extend, on behalf of Qingdao Municipal Government and Qingdao citizens, my sincerest welcome to Skipper Brendan Hall and the sailors of Spirit of Australia, and my warm congratulations to the Spirit of Australia for your wonderful performance in this leg.

"We ve been following closely the latest news of the Clipper Race - 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 experience the splendor and charm of this world prestigious sailing event.

"During your stay in Qingdao, the hospitable Qingdao citizens will hold a series of activities with the sailors in celebration of the Chinese New Year. You will feel in person the atmosphere of this traditional Chinese festival and the friendship of our citizens as well.

Brendan then took to the microphone and made his greeting in Chinese a gesture greatly appreciated by the huge audience. He sprayed champagne like a seasoned veteran and it was clearly the moment that the team had been waiting for.

"After an incredibly tough race, we have come through and snatched a victory all of us can be proud, said Brendan. Ten days ago, back in eighth position, we had set ourselves the goal of getting a mid-fleet position and keeping the boat undamaged for the next leg. To have overtaken the entire fleet was above what we thought was a realistic goal. In the end though, our dogged persistence paid off as it always does and the rougher the conditions became, the more this team excelled.

A member of the 17-strong crew who took Spirit of Australia to victory was Cork crew member Sarah Boyle. The 27-year-old electronic engineer joined the Australian team when her yacht ran aground on a submerged reef in Race 5. Tired but visibly elated, Sarah said, It was a very tough race, but it was brilliant. It is so rewarding to arrive in first place and to receive such a great welcome in to Qingdao - it s been fantastic and as good as I could ever have dreamed.

Michael Hanson from Perth signed up for the full circumnavigation of the world and was clearly ecstatic to be on the top step of the podium. Michael said I don t do the cold at all well and there were times over the last few days when I couldn t uncurl my fingers from the helm. But the welcome we have received here has been totally awesome .

As the team headed away from the stage towards the Qingdao Yacht Club where beers and food awaited them, they found getting there to be quite a challenge. The crowds wanted to shake their hands or ask for their autographs and whenever they stopped, they were instantly lost in a sea of fans. For the crew of ordinary men and women who have put their normal lives on hold to take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, it was a fitting tribute to what they have achieved so far.

Meanwhile, out on the water, both Jamaica Lightning Bolt and Qingdao have finished in second and third places respectively. They will have a quiet night motoring slowly over the final 30 miles from the finish line towards the city and should be ready to brace themselves for a repeat of the ceremony on Sunday morning. With the local boat on the podium for the first time, it will be an even louder welcome as the population of this welcoming city comes out in force.

Uniquely Singapore, California, Cape Breton Island and Hull & Humber are all expected to finish overnight and will join Jamaica Lightning Bolt and Qingdao in the marina tomorrow. Each boat will get the same treatment as Spirit of Australia and there is no doubt that every single crew member will remember the spectacle for as long as they live.

Editor: Li Jing