Round-the-world Jersey yachtsman Simon Rowell has stepped up to skipper the Jersey entry from Qingdao, China, in this year’s eventful Clipper race. The announcement follows Mark Taylor’s sudden resignation as skipper last week.

Mr Rowell, who led the Jersey Clipper to victory in 2002, will take on the role of skipper until a suitable replacement can be found for Mr Taylor.

Beginning and ending in Liverpool, there are ten teams competing for glory in this year’s race, which has been far from plain sailing. The last leg – from Singapore to Qingdao – was suspended after yachts reported problems with bolts securing their keel attachments. The yachts were diverted to the Philippines, where they had to take a 48-day unscheduled break while the necessary repairs were carried out.