AS THE Hull and Humber Clipper made its way into Liverpool’s Albert Dock, the crew was welcomed by thousands of cheering supporters.

They have carried the region’s name around the globe and completed the challenge of a lifetime.

After sailing 35,000 miles and visiting 14 ports on five continents, the region’s entry secured second place in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race and crossed the finish line in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The end of the global race, which was won by New York, was marked with the Liverpool 08 Dash – a fun race from the Bar at the mouth of the River Mersey to the Albert Dock.

Nova Scotia won the Dash, while Hull and Humber finished last.

Each Clipper then made its grand entrance into Canning Half Tide Dock before moving into the Albert Dock for the official prize-giving ceremony.

Geoffrey Palmer, 57, of Cottingham, joined Hull and Humber Clipper, which is sponsored by Yorkshire Forward, for leg seven from Jamaica to Liverpool.

He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. You’ve had bad times and good times, but it’s been really good. I have wanted to do a bit of sailing for years and this has been my goal.”

Smiles and tears were a common sight as loved ones embraced at the end of an unforgettable experience.

One Hull Tag Team member Sonny Allott, 20, of west Hull, was given the task of carrying the global Wilberforce anti-slavery petition, which calls for an end to modern-day slavery, during leg seven.

It has been signed by politicians and leaders and will be presented to Admiral of the Humber and Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Elaine Garland at the One Hull conference later this month.

Sonny said: “I’m very glad, proud and honoured to be representing my city. Everyone is a winner here.

“Coming into Liverpool and seeing everyone with smiling faces was amazing.”

Cllr Garland said: “It’s absolutely amazing.

“For next year, when we are hosting it, I think we can only look forward to hopefully coming first. I’m so proud of the skipper, Danny Watson, and the crew.”

Race director Jonathan Bailey said: “It’s been fantastic. The racing has been so close. Hull and Humber have done very well from starting from nothing and finishing in second.”

Clipper Ventures chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, said: “A lot of these people had never sailed before they started this race. They have learned and improved, so coming second is very creditable.”

Terry Hodgkinson, chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “There was a tear in my eye. Danny has done a fantastic job for us.”

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