THE WORLD’s longest yacht race – beginning and ending in Hampshire – is about to complete the half way stage of its 41,000- mile circumnavigation of the world’s oceans.

The Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, featuring 500 sailors from all walks of life and nationalities aboard a ten-strong international Clipper Race fleet, set out from Southampton four months ago.

Last night Visit Finland was leading, with Derry-Londonderry close behind. Chinese entry Qingdao was in third place and British boat Welcome to Yorkshire forth.

As revealed in the Daily Echo, the prestigious race will finish at Southampton’s Ocean Village in July, nearly one year since its send-off which involved a flotilla of boats and an escort by HMS Illustrious.

The city beat Portsmouth and other rival south coast cities to host the return of the prestigious race.