Clipper Race fleet head for N China's Qingdao

HAIKOU -- All the 11 fleet headed their way northbound for Qingdao on Sunday after the Clipper Race stopover in Sanya, a coastal city of South China's Hainan province.

After 10 days in its home port, the crew of "Sanya Serenity Coast" decided to play its Joker Card and will double whatever race points earned during the 1,700 nautical mile race to Qingdao.

Among a number of factors, the biggest reason was that it would be a predominately upwind race and their team has sailed quite well upwind in the past, explained skipper Wendy Tuck.

"We are leaving Sanya, our home port, so we are pumped and excited to get racing and fly the flag for the city again," said Wendy.

The race to Qingdao is expected to be quite tough and the fleet are expected to arrive at the Wanda Yacht Club between March 13 to 16.