Clipper’s problems aren’t over yet. The latest: Mark Taylor, skipper of the Jersey entry has announced that he is resigning from the race. Mr Taylor will leave the yacht when it arrives in Qingdao, China – expected to be on 2 April.

The announcement, coming less than 24 hours after the race restarted from the Philippines, is another blow to this year’s race, which has been surrounded by controversy. 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.

The Jersey Clipper is currently beating up the west coast of the Philippines in light airs; morale on the boat is said to be ‘pretty low’ following the skipper’s resignation.