THE Glasgow clipper crew were today praised by a rival skipper - for helping rescue his troubled yacht.

Durban 2010 and Beyond's mast snapped in Pacific Ocean winds of 20 knots last week on its way from China to Hawaii.

But the Scots crew - who were today popping champagne after clinching third place in the leg and second in the overall race - helped the stricken boat to safety.

The South African clipper limped into Hawaii's Ala Wai harbour after a 12-hour escort from the Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, skippered by Hannah Jenner. Liverpool 08, Qingdao and Uniquely Singapore also helped out.

Ricky Chalmers, 47, Durban's skipper, said: "Without the mast the boat was rocking and rolling a bit and with no option of sailing we were quite nervous.

"We were always worried about the fuel but the other boats rallied around, particularly Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, who shadowed us through the night."

Westernaustralia2011.

com also suffered a broken mast in high winds but neither crew were injured.

The Glasgow crew wore kilts in the Hawaiian sunshine as they celebrated with some well-earned champagne. During the week-long stopover on the islands in the Pacific Ocean clipper crews will carry out routine maintenance and repairs.

The clipper race will continue in the fifth leg of the gruelling 35,000-mile trip next Wednesday, going from Hawaii to Santa Cruz, California.