PSP Logistics has powered to victory in the 11th and penultimate leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race – a ten-day 1,800 nautical mile dash from Panama to New York.

The PSP Logistics team, skippered by 30-year-old Matt Mitchell from Petersfield and sponsored by Hampshire shipping company PSP Logistics, crossed the finish line off the east coast of the USA to claim its second win of the 2017-18 race.

Speaking on arrival, Mitchell said: “It was a little bit touch and go towards the end, but we made it. As a team, I think we needed the win. We’ve had a bit of bad luck since the race into Qingdao, so it’s good to get the win and hopefully it’s a sign of our fortunes changing.

“I suppose this race was my home waters – through the Caribbean islands and this side of the Atlantic. We played some good tactics early on and the team worked really hard right until the end, so it all paid off for us. I’m very happy for the team. It’s boosted morale going into the final leg.”

An early tactical split between north and east during the first day of the race proved to be a make-or-break moment for the final leaderboard positions.

PSP Logistics was the first boat to tack, selecting the most easterly course of the fleet. As the teams battled through choppy upwind conditions passing through the Caribbean islands, Mitchell’s experience from the previous two races shone through as his team led for six of the ten days.

“I decided to tack early as the long-range forecast suggested it could pay off,” Mitchell explained. “In doing so, we got greater boat speed and a better angle.”

Chinese entry Sanya Serenity Coast, under Australian skipper Wendy Tuck, finished second – the team’s sixth podium of the series, strengthening their overall lead going into the final leg of the circumnavigation.

GREAT Britain crossed the line less than an hour later to take third place.

The 40,000 nautical mile Clipper Race is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Founded 22 years ago by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, it allows amateurs from all walks of life to experience the thrill of ocean racing.

All 11 of the Clipper Race teams were expected in New York by last Thursday. The fleet sets sail on the final Atlantic Homecoming leg on Monday (June 25), with the scheduled finish at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock on Saturday, July 28.