This will be the sixth Clipper Race, setting out from Liverpool, England. The first race set off in 1996. It was the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man ever to sail solo non-stop around the world.
The biennial Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will start at 3 pm BST on Sunday September 16th from Liverpool, England. The ten yachts will race between 14 ports on five continents before returning to Liverpool on July 5th next year.
With 27 nationalities represented amongst the 400 race crew, Clipper 07-08 will be a truly global event. Up to 17 crew members from varying backgrounds sail on each yacht at any one time and they all put their everyday lives on hold for up to ten months to take part in the Clipper Race. The crews have spent the last months preparing for the race ahead and prior to signing up around 40 percent had no previous sailing experience. Each one of them has completed comprehensive Clipper Training overseen by Clipper Chairman and legendary solo sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.