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Westernaustralia.com crossed the line at 0136 GMT in light airs to a burst of fireworks at the mouth of the harbour recording their second win in a row. After 23 days racing across the Atlantic, the winning crew arrived at the Clipper Race Village at Yacht Mole to a spectacular Zulu warrior welcome at dawn with high energy dancing, drumming and singing.

After sampling a traditional Zulu drink from a carved wooden calabash, Westernaustralia.com skipper PRYCE commented, 'The wind was up and down all night and we had to pull out all our energy to keep it up for another night. We had thought we were going to get in yesterday but the wind died and we ended up having to tack up the coast. We were grateful to have such a good lead as it took a bit of the pressure off.'

New York crossed the line in second place shortly before 1345 GMT after a tough few days in the closing stages of race three. The New York crew have been struggling with constantly changing wind conditions, broaches, Chinese gybes and major spinnaker damage as they raced up the South African coast.

Earlier in the day with just 30 miles to run to the finish line, Skipper Joff BAILEY said, 'My feelings at the moment are as though I have been involved in a train wreck, and I think that goes for the rest of the crew. It feels like everything has conspired against us over the last few days.'

But the challenges of the last few days are now behind BAILEY and his crew, as they enjoy the warm welcome laid on by the Durban welcoming committee. Despite the drizzle, the scantily clad Zulu warriors gave the weary New Yorkers a memorable welcome in front of the gathered crowds and local dignitaries including Durban's Deputy Mayor Councillor Logie NAIDOO.

At 2008 GMT Cardiff Clipper crossed the finish line to take third place into Durban. They were very shortly followed by Qingdao Clipper who finished 38 minutes later at 2046 GMT. A large crowd and Zulu dancers awaited the arrival of both yachts at the Clipper Race Village.

Liverpool 08 Clipper and Uniquely Singapore Clipper crossed the finish line off Durban at 0133 GMT today after days of extremely close racing with often just a mile separating the two boats, the Liverpudlians and Singaporeans battled over fifth place up to the line. Final positions and finish times are yet to be confirmed. Victoria, Durban, Glasgow and Jersey are all yet to finish.