The Bristol Clipper could still be in with a chance

The crew are now in second place after coming fourth in the leg to Holyhead.

Bristol's closest rivals, Jersey, have taken the overall lead - by one point - with Liverpool in third place.

The closeness of the cumulative points means the race is, technically, still open.

Race organiser Colin de Mowbray told the BBC: "Bristol have to get three places ahead of Jersey to win.

"This is not good for the crew, but it is feasible. It is going right to the wire and will be very exciting."

Leader board with points Jersey - 94 Bristol - 93 Liverpool 73.5 Hong Kong - 67 Glasgow - 62 London - 56 New York - 54 Cape Town - 28

The race, held every two years, is the world's longest circumnavigation challenge, covering more than 35,000 miles in 11 months.

The final leg has seen eight boats race from Salvador to New York, and finally to Liverpool via Jersey.

The crews are setting off on Friday for the final dash up the Mersey, ending up at Canning Half Tide Dock on Saturday lunchtime.