Clipper fleet arrives in Whitsundays
'Visit Seattle' has led the tightly bunched Clipper fleet into Airlie Beach for two weeks of celebrations at the inaugural Whitsundays Clipper Race CarnivalUnder beaming blue skies at 3.05pm yesterday (January 16), the first of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet arrived into the Whitsundays. Skippered by 24-year-old Brit Nikki Henderson, Visit Seattle crossed the finish line off the coast of Airlie Beach, completing the 1600 nautical mile sprint from Hobart to the Whitsundays in 11 days.
The Visit Seattle team had to work hard for the win. The 11th and final morning at sea saw them off the coast of Mackay and just 5 nautical miles ahead of the second placed PSP Logistics. And Sanya Serenity Coast was only another mile astern, with just 7 nautical miles separating Visit Seattle from the fourth placed Liverpool 2018.
The Clipper Race crews, their families and friends, will now enjoy a two-week break, with the Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival providing a raft of exciting events right across the region.
Tourism Whitsundays CEO Craig Turner said the region was very excited to be welcoming the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crews to the Whitsundays.
“The crews will be able to have a well earned rest now they have arrived, before the two weeks of celebrations start,” he said.
“The Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival has been created to showcase the whole region, from the islands, to the coastal mainland, to the inland country towns.
“We hope the Clipper Race crews, their families and friends enjoy experiencing our wonderful region while they are here."
During the Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival, sailing enthusiasts get to enjoy tours of the ocean-racing yachts, public talks by the skippers and opportunities to meet the crews. There will also be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a few lucky people to race around the Whitsunday Islands on the Clipper Race yachts.
Carnival events include the Bendigo Bank Clipper Welcome Party (free for everyone), the Fish D’Vine White on Whitehaven Long Lunch, the Whitsunday Foodservice Progressive Cruise Lunch and the Rodeo by the Reef, in Bowen.
The All-Australian race leg is one of the toughest, with the Clipper crews completing a gruelling race around the south of Australia from Fremantle to Sydney, followed by the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and now the Wondrous Whitsundays Race.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
