Yacht crew fired up by support from HMS Edinburgh’s big gun

THE city’s entry in the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race has reached Australia’s Gold Coast and was welcomed by the senior officer from HMS Edinburgh.

Crew from Edinburgh Inspiring Capital sailed the 1300-mile leg from New Zealand and were greeted by Commanding Officer Paul Russell.

Skipper Gordon Reid presented him with an engraved quaich and a City of Edinburgh tartan tie from Kinloch Anderson Kiltmakers.

Speaking today, Mr Reid said: “To have reached east coast Australia is such a significant milestone for all the crew, but to be received by Commanding Officer Russell of HMS Edinburgh is such an honour.

“We briefly met the crew as we were racing close to the settlement of Edinburgh, in the Tristan da Cunha group of islands, when they paid us a surprise visit one night.

“For him to take time out of his schedule to come and support us in this way is a great acknowledgment, and I speak for everyone on board in saying it will inspire us on our way in the coming months.” HMS Edinburgh has just completed a six-month stint in the Southern Ocean.

Commanding Officer Russell added: “The Edinburgh Inspiring Capital crew have done a great job so far. They are on the journey of a lifetime.”