HAMPSHIRE sailors competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have failed to win the latest leg of the gruelling event.

Race 14 went to Derry-Londonderry-Doire, which yesterday became the first vessel to reach its home port of Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland.

At one stage Great Britain, with Southampton’s Steve Mabey, 47, and Portchester’s Jake Carter, 21, on board, were hot on their tail.

But Derry-Londonderry-Doire was first home, with Great Britain failing to finish in the first three.

Team Garmin came second, just ahead of Old Pulteney. Great Britain and Jamaica Get All Right were joint fourth.

Last night a race spokesman said the overall leader was still Henri Lloyd.

The fleet are now back in the UK for the first time since setting out from London nine months ago at the start of the 40,000-mile race.

Their arrival in the ancient Irish port, last year’s European city of culture, will be followed by an eight-day maritime festival.

After their week-long break the crews will set off for Den Helder in the Netherlands next Sunday, arriving on July 2.

After another eight-day rest they will set sail on their final voyage on July 10, arriving at St Katherine Docks in London on July 12, where a massive welcome home festival is planned.

Matthew Wade, 19, from Totton, will be joining Team Garmin for the final two legs.

Organised by Gosport-based Clipper Ventures the round the world race is skippered by professionals but crewed by amateurs.

It was founded by legendary Hampshire-based sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and is the longest event of its kind in the globe.