It is not really the winning, it is the battle that we had to get here which is the most rewarding

Conrad Humphreys Victorious skipper

Skippered by Devon's Conrad Humphreys, the yacht also came out overall winner in the mammoth race having won three out of the seven legs.

Twelve identical yachts crewed by volunteers took part in the race, which went around the globe against prevailing winds.

The brainchild of round-the-world yachtsman Sir Chay Blyth, the challenge started in Southampton last September.

Welcoming waves

Winning skipper Mr Humphreys, 27, said he was overwhelmed by the reception from the thousands of spectators and the flotilla of craft that greeted the yacht in the Solent.

LG Flatron won three of the seven legs

The lecturer in marine sports science at Alicante University said: "It feels absolutely tremendous to be back. The team are what it is all about.

"I'm very, very proud and privileged to have been associated with a group of people like this."

He said there had been low points for the team, particularly during the penultimate leg, when they finished eighth.

"It put us under pressure, but having said that, a team does not really understand whether it can succeed until it is under pressure."

But the high point for him had been sailing towards Southampton with the rest of the fleet.

Final race positions

1st LG Flatron 2nd Compaq 3rd BP

"That was a totally remarkable moment.

"It is not really the winning, it is the battle that we had to get here which is the most rewarding."

Overall second place went to Compaq and third place to the yacht BP.

Final results will not be known until the last yacht arrives in Southampton at about 2300BST on Saturday.