IT was one of the memorable moments for sailors taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

With the New York skyline and iconic Statue of Liberty as a backdrop, the twelve 70ft yachts set off for the final part of their epic journey in a parade of sail.

The 11-month, 40,000-mile race has taken its toll on many of the sailors, some of whom are from Hampshire, and the last leg of the journey is expected to be one of the toughest.

It is expected that the Atlantic Ocean will provide some tough challenges including thick fog and light winds as well as the risk of icebergs coming from the Arctic.

Their next stop will be Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland, where crews are expected to arrive their on June 21, having sailed 2,800 nautical miles.

Awaiting them at last year’s European city of culture is a huge eight day long maritime festival including the Beach Boys and the Red Arrows.

Skipper of Jamaica Get All Right, Pete Stirling from Titchfield, is hoping the addition of an Olympian to his team would give Jamaica Get All Right that extra edge.

He said: “One of the things I like about the Clipper Race is the crew changeovers at the beginning of each leg as you get a new dynamic and I think we have a great team this race and am looking forward to getting out there and giving it our best shot.

“We are very excited that ex-British Olympic modern pentathlete Heather Fell is joining us for this race and she has been welcomed into the team and her competitive spirit will hopefully raise our game.”

One Hampshire sailor not taking part in Ed Collison, who is back home in Emsworth recovering from a double leg break in Jamaica. He is hoping the rejoin the race in Derry-Londonderry.