THE crew on “Qingdao,” a sailing boat, is on the way home from Singapore, the eighth leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2011-2012.

    It is the fourth time for the Qingdao team to compete in the international sailing match.

    The race organizers predicted it would take 10 teams around 20 days to complete the 2,600-nautical-mile leg, which are expected to arrive in Qingdao between Feb. 22 and 25.

    The leg from Singapore to Qingdao is the toughest of the race, in which competitors have to endure extreme hot weather and freezing cold. The routes chosen by the captains of the competing vessels will play a decisive role in the race.

    The first three sailers passing the sea area near China’s Nansha Islands will be awarded between one and three extra points.

    The captain of “Qingdao” said before the departure in Singapore that the crew were inspired by the destination Qingdao, and were confident about giving a good performance.

    The Qingdao team chose a different route from the other teams.

    The Qingdao team was the third to return to the city in the last race.(Li Hao, Sun Fei)