A globetrotting yacht heading for a welcome party in central London had a PLA launch to thank when she got into trouble.

The GREAT Britain had just
spent 11 months at sea competing in this year’s Clipper Round the World Yacht Race spanning six continents. She was on her way to a celebration for all teams at St Katharine’s Dock near Tower Bridge, when her engine failed.

Luckily, our crew on board harbour service launch Kew was managing river traffic at the time and was able to take a line from the clipper and tow her safely out of the way of other vessels.

She was briefly moved alongside the Met police jetty at Wapping before being righted and
continuing on her way – through Tower Bridge and into St Kat’s.
Deputy harbour master (upper)
Nick Evans said: “It was a great occasion to be part of.

The GREAT Britain had a little
bit of trouble but luckily it was quickly fixed and she could join
the party.”

Thousands of flag-waving race
fans lined the banks of the
Thames to welcome the teams
that had raced round the world.
The event was won by by LMAX Exchange, with a UK-based crew.

Derry/Londonderry Doire
took second place after a closely fought final stage which finished near the
mouth of the tidal Thames.

Many of the 690 competitors had little or no previous
sailing experience before
they embarking on the
global challenge last August.
They had to cope with hurricane force winds,
giant waves and freezing conditions.