Qingdao finishes fifth in Race 8 of Clipper series

QINGDAO -- The yacht Qingdao arrived at its home port on Thursday afternoon, ranking fifth in Race 8 of the 2017-18 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Qingdao, skippered by German Chris Kobusch, crossed the finish line at 14:35:42 local time, completing the 1,700 nautical mile race from Sanya to Qingdao in over 10 days.

Qingdao had a rocky start in Race 8, and spent the first few days in 10th place after needing assistance from fellow Clipper Race team Nasdaq.

After jumping three places on Day 4, the team peaked in third place on Day 7.

A decision to head west away from the chasing pack paid dividends with Qingdao earning three bonus points for being first across the scoring gate, but it meant the team was unable to catch other teams in front and secure a podium position.

"It was disappointing not to get a podium in our home port, but everyone was very proud of how hard we worked in the race from Sanya to Qingdao," said Greg Schey, a crew member of Qingdao and a 28-year-old doctor from Wales.

Visit Seattle took the first prize in Race 8, the second and third places belonged to Sanya Serenity Coast and Liverpool 2018.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, held every two years, is the largest amateur yacht race in the world and has visited Qingdao for the seventh straight time. A total of 712 crew members from 41 countries and regions participated in the 2017-18 events.