The round-the-world Clipper Race that was brought to an abrupt end by coronavirus

Sadie Whitelocks speaks to racer Mary Vaughan-Jones

On board the Punta Del Este (Photography by Team Punta del Este)

We were in a bubble out there,” Mary Vaughan-Jones mused.

The 24-year-old from Lancaster returned home last weekend after seven months at sea – her attempt at circumnavigating the globe as part of the Clipper Race having been brought to an abrupt end by the coronavirus pandemic – to find the world in a state of chaos.

“It’s been quite overwhelming and it’s taken a few days to adjust to the seriousness of it all,” Vaughan-Jones says of her return to reality, adding, “I was devastated the race was cut short; I was having the time of my life, but it has been the correct decision”.