World Sailing President welcomes sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in Qingdao

Knox-Johnston was the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, in 1969, and in 1994 he won the second Jules Verne Trophy alongside Sir Peter Blake. The pair were named the inaugural World Sailor of the Year winners for their achievement. He was knighted the following year for services to yachting.

The Clipper Round The World tour will remain in Qingdao until 12 March when the fleet starts the next leg, dubbed ‘The Big One’, across the Pacific from Qingdao to the West Coast of North America.

World Sailing President Quanhai Li was invited to Qingdao to present line honours to the winners of this stage, Team GOSH representing Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children skippered by Oliver Irvine. Team Tongyeong skippered by Lowri Boorman took second place and Team Scotland skippered by Heather Thomas finished third.

World Sailing President, Quanhai Li, said, “This award ceremony celebrates the journey you have navigated and, more importantly, honours every sailor who dares to challenge themselves. No matter which country you come from or what profession you represent, the moment you arrive in Qingdao you are seen as fearless warriors that have overcome the trials of a long ocean journey.”