Clipper race to start and finish in Liverpool

The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race is set to return to Liverpool this year.
Crews competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. Picture: onEditionCrews competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. Picture: onEdition
Crews competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. Picture: onEdition

The company, which is based in Gosport, has announced the race will start and finish from the Albert Dock for the first time in a decade.

Crews will set sail on August 20 and return approximately 11 months later.

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Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69, said: ‘We are thrilled to announce that the Clipper Race is returning to the historic city of Liverpool.

Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.
Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.

‘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.’

This year’s edition of the race will feature 12 large 70-foot modern racing yachts sailed by 700 amateur crew.

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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.

Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.
Liverpool will host the start and end of the race for the first time in a decade.

‘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.’

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The 2017-18 40,000-nautical mile race will mark the fourth time the city has hosted the event in its 11 editions.

Sailors will visit six continents, and stopovers include South America, Cape Town, Sydney and New York.