Jeronimo Santos Gonzalez, the first Spanish skipper to lead a team in the Clipper Round the World yacht Race, has returned to Spain after leading his team to second place overall.

Jeronimo was appointed Skipper of the Punta del Este team yacht, one of eleven identical 70ft racing yachts, for the 2019-20 race, where he led a team of non-professional sailors to race 40,000 nautical miles through some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.

Speaking on arrival in London after clinching second place behind race leaders, Qingdao, Jeronimo said: “We had the chance to gain positions from third place, and I told my crew that this was our chance so we put the throttle down and we went for it.

“Getting second position made the finale of the whole race and getting it reflected a lot of work, a lot of tears – we are very happy and very pleased. It was so wonderful seeing so many people cheering with yellow shirts – Punta del Este has a lot of supporters!”

During the course of the race, which is split into eight individual legs, teams have endured all of the conditions that Mother Nature can throw at them; from battling through gale force winds and waves the size of houses in the North Pacific, having to stay sane whilst bobbing around in a wind hole in intense heat in the tropics, to having to spend weeks at a time in a confined space with strangers.

The Clipper 2019-20 Race started in London, UK, in September 2019 and had a two-year pause at its halfway point in the Philippines due to the global pandemic. The race restarted from the Philippines in March this year and finally returned to London where the adventure began three years ago.

After a spectacular Parade of Sail along the River Thames, the jubilant teams were welcomed into London’s Royal Docks in the afternoon by a huge crowd of family, friends, partners and spectators creating an electric atmosphere for their arrival.

Jeronimo reflects: “A lot has happened since I started three years ago, but my enthusiasm for the race hasn’t. I’d tell myself to push yourself, enjoy every moment and enjoy all the people.”

The Punta del Este team received one of the loudest cheers from the dockside on arrival in Royal London Docks. Representing the Uruguayan resort and Yacht Club Punta del Este, the bright yellow team yacht looked striking as it arrived into London.

Jeronimo adds: “The sponsor, Yacht Club Punta del Este has been so supportive and encouraging, especially in the moments we needed it. They sent us letters and presents to keep morale up and it was amazing and emotional to have Commodore Juan Etcheverrito with us on stage to celebrate with the team.”

Fiona Mitchell, who lives in Balmain, Sydney, who raced on board Punta del Este said: “I’ve just finished the Clipper Race. I feel absolutely amazing – it’s been just the most incredible experience and I’m so pleased I signed up. It’s been everything I wanted and even more. Sailing into London was so exciting! It was great to see so many people here to welcome us in.”

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers. Participants sign up to compete in one or multiple legs, or the full eleven month and 40,000nm circumnavigation. The age of its crew ranges from 18 to 70+ years old. Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world, the sailing event recently celebrated 25 years since its first edition in 1996.

SOURCE: @Clipperroundtheworld.com