HAMPSHIRE sailors competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race are back on dry land as they complete the world famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Team Derry~Londonderry~Doire crossed the finish line first into Hobart, Tasmania, with team Great Britain, which includes 20-year-old Jacob Carter, from Portchester, taking second place.

The three day, 628-mile sprint from Sydney, a renowned Australian yachting classic, saw some of the most stormy conditions since the 12 strong fleet set off from the UK in September.

The 12 Clipper Race teams, who are almost half way round the world in their adventure of a lifetime, raced against some of the world's best professional sailors in the 94-yacht spectacle which started in front of tens of thousands of spectators on Boxing Day.

Great Britain skipper Simon Talbot said: “This is one of the toughest and most famous races on the planet. It's been very exciting to be part of it. To have clinched a podium and eleven vital points has boosted morale on board as we rebuild our position on the overall leader board.”

Third place was clinched by team Old Pulteney, whose crew includes 39-year-old Charles Slater and Kate Hepworth, both from the Southampton area.

Its skipper Patrick Van Der Zijden said “We are all really tired. It was very hard, but exhilarating at the same time. We got off to a good start and were leading, despite the lighter winds.

“Then when the front came through there were very strong winds on the nose and challenging waves. It's very rewarding to be on the podium in third. We're going to celebrate with as dram or two of our favourite whiskey and say cheers to Old Pulteney.”

The teams will be back on board their 70 ft clipper yachts on New Year's Eve on Race 7 to Brisbane.