New skipper for Edinburgh boat in global race

A NEW permanent skipper has been announced for the Capital’s entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Piers Dudin will lead Edinburgh Inspiring Capital for the final leg from New York to Southampton.

He was appointed after previous skipper Gordon Reid stood down for personal reasons. Temporary replacement Flavio Zamboni is due to leave the boat in New York owing to previous commitments.

Mr Dudin, 34, was a skipper on the 2009-10 race, but left the boat mid-Pacific when he broke his leg between Qingdao and San Francisco.

Race director Joff Bailey said: “Piers is a very experienced sailor and the perfect candidate to take Edinburgh Inspiring Capital from New York to the Southampton finish line via stopovers in Derry/Londonderry and Den Helder.

“The last leg will be a competitive one across the fleet, with an Atlantic crossing and several shorter sprint races. With many points up for grabs there is still all to race for and I am sure Piers will focus the crew on finishing with a flourish.”

The race fleet has just arrived in Panama City, ahead of its voyage through the Panama Canal.