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Biggest round the world
ocean race is to return to Liverpool
THE biggest round the world ocean race
is to return to Liverpool with the start and finish of this unique global
challenge moving from the capital back to the River Mersey on the tenth
anniversary of its last partnership with the region.
The 2017 to 2018 edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will set
sail from Albert Dock, Liverpool, on Sunday, 20 August 2017 and return approximately
11 months later in Summer 2018.
Legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox Johnston, the 1st person to sail solo
non-stop around the world in 1968 to 1969 and founder of the Clipper Race, said:-
"We are thrilled to announce that the Clipper Race is returning to the
historic City of Liverpool. A significant site for UK maritime history, I fondly
remember the warm reception we received when Liverpool last hosted the Clipper
Race and am looking forward to returning to Albert Dock again this August. The
Clipper Race has grown enormously in number of participants, yacht entries,
economic influence and media value since it was last hosted by Liverpool a
decade ago and we are looking forward to putting on an even bigger show in the
City this time, which will not just have significant local economic impact, but
will also put a maritime spotlight on the City all around the world."
The Clipper Race now consists of 12 large 70 foot modern racing yachts sailed by
700 amateur crew, representing over 40 nationalities from all walks of life, led
by professional skippers, making it the biggest ocean race to circumnavigate the
planet. The historic Albert Dock will once again play host to the race and the
thousands of visitors who will bring a welcome economic boost to the City.
As the official Start and Finish Partner, Liverpool will utilise the Clipper
Race's global platform to raise its international profile and maritime legacy,
hoping to inspire the next generation of sailors and seafaring enthusiasts in
the waterfront City. It also aims to promote its cultural heritage on the world
stage to position the City as the home of large scale cultural events that are
accessible for all – reinforced at the moment as Liverpool bids to be the UK
host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:- "It is a huge coup for Liverpool
to once again play host to the start and finish of this prestigious race.
This City embraces and thrives on maritime spectacles; our affinity with the
River is always much celebrated and being the start and finish partner of the
Clipper 2017 to 2018 Race is sure to attract thousands to our world famous
waterfront. Staging an event of this calibre puts the City once again on an
international platform; and after welcoming this event four times before, it
really feels like we are the home of the Clipper Race. The impact on the local
economy as a result of this race will of course be huge, but the pride it will
engender in the people of Liverpool is priceless as the international spotlight
shines on the City once again. We look forward to welcoming the fleet, its crew
and supporters."
Liverpool has not only made a unique
contribution to world commerce and culture, it has one of the world's great
waterfronts, with Albert Dock part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in
the City. Aside from Liverpool, the only other cities in the world that have
arrival ports in the heart of the City are Sydney, New York, and Shanghai.
Sue Grindrod, chief executive, Albert Dock Liverpool, said:- "The Clipper
2017-18 Race Start is going to be yet another spectacular event at Albert Dock
this summer for our visitors.
As 1 of the world's most important maritime cities, it is a thrill to welcome
back the race to the waterfront for a fourth time, with Liverpool yet again on
the world stage, and Albert Dock firmly at the heart of the action. The
yachtsmen and women are guaranteed a warm Liverpool welcome in August before
they embark on their intrepid adventure."
The 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017 to 2018 Race will mark the fourth-time
Liverpool has hosted the Clipper Race in its eleven editions, making the City
the event's most frequented start and finish port ever. Liverpool previously
hosted the start and finish for the 2002 to 2003, 2005 to 2006 and 2007 to 2008 race editions
in the lead up to it being named European Capital of Culture in 2008.
The 11th edition of the unique biennial Clipper Race, the only event of its kind
for non professional sailors, will visit 6 continents and include 6 ocean
crossings. Almost 5,000 crew have been turned into seasoned ocean racers during
the past 20 years in what is still a rare accomplishment, more people have
climbed Mount Everest than have raced around the planet on its oceans under
sail.
Crew can complete the full circumnavigation, or 1 or more of its eight legs,
in 1 of the toughest endurance challenges. It is without doubt the world's
greatest ocean adventure.
The Clipper 2017 to 2018 Race will return to Liverpool's Albert Dock in Summer 2018
following its global route which will include stopovers in South America (port TBC), Cape Town, Western Australia (port TBC), Sydney, Hobart, East Coast
Australia (port TBC) Sanya and Qingdao – China, Seattle – USA, Panama, New York,
and Derry Londonderry – Northern Ireland.
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