Emotional homecoming for sailor

Arriving into Albany was emotional for some of the Clipper Round the World Yacht racers, but none more so than Albany's home-grown sailor Nicola Edwards.

Edwards learnt to sail on the sheltered waters of Princess Royal Harbour, and after four months away she returned home aboard PSP Logistics when it cruised across the finish line into Albany marina last Thursday morning.

Greeted by a crowd of friends and supporters, Edwards said it was extremely emotional.

"Seeing all the familiar sites and the faces, it was very special," she said.

"It was funny when I came up on deck, and I could see Breaksea Island from the south, and that was a totally different experience.

"We have had a lot of support, the talk around town; everything is Clippers and the people have been so welcoming.

"It makes me very proud to be from Albany."

Before departure, Edwards had expressed fears about being confined to the yacht and how mentally challenging the race would be.

But with a good, sound, core group on board PSP Logistics she said she was extremely lucky and the entire experience had been exhilarating.

Since arriving, Edwards has spent as much time as possible with friends and family but said she would have liked to have more time in Albany to show the crew around.

"It would be nice to have a few more days," she said.

"We have so much to offer in Albany and there is just not enough time."

The race consists of eight legs, 16 races and covers 40,000 miles. The fourth leg of the journey is bound for Sydney, and is set to take off from King George Sound this afternoon at 3pm.

Edwards said one of her highlights from the race would be sailing into the iconic Sydney Harbour, alongside competing in the annual Sydney to Hobart race.

"But all the legs will be amazing; the Panama Canals, New York, it will be brilliant," she said.

"You feel like you've earned your place at each destination, when you work so hard to get there, it's not like you just hopped on a plane, so it makes it all the more worth it."