Capital sails up the rankings

THE Inspiring Capital clipper bearing the Evening News logo has finally scored its first podium finish in the Round the World challenge.

Neck-and-neck racing to the gate provided some anxious moments for those on board the leading four boats as they closed in on the points prizes on offer.

For Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, their hard work was rewarded with third place, having come close to a podium finish several times in previous races.

"It was a close-run thing holding Qingdao off at the scoring gate to pick up a much-needed point but we just managed to keep our lead on them," said skipper Matt Pike.

The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race started on 13 September from the Humber on the UK's east coast and will return there in July after 35,000 miles of ocean racing.