Clipper Round the World Race 2017-2018 has started
The biggest ever Clipper Race has started with the fleet due in Perth on September 22Following departure ceremonies with family, friends and supporters, and an emotional slipping of the lines before the parade under sail up the River Mersey in Liverpool, UK, a dozen Clipper yachts and their crews are now off and racing for the longest ever race in the history of the event.
A cannon blast marked the start of the actual race in sunny conditions with a strong tide. With winds against them, the first mark was a test of trimming, tacking and spotting the wind.
After the excitement of starting in front of the big crowd, the test of endurance is underway as the 12-strong Clipper Race fleet heads 6400nm — the equivalent distance of 10 Fastnet Races — through the Atlantic Ocean towards Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the globe almost 50 years ago, founded the Clipper race to allow anyone, regardless of experience, the chance to experience his life-changing ocean racing.
"Over the next 11 months, our crew and skippers will get to face everything Mother Nature can throw at them. Upon their return they will have sailed across the world’s greatest oceans. Very few people get to say that."
This opening leg of the 11-month series will take approximately 35 days to complete and is the longest ever leg in the race’s 21-year history.
The fleet’s arrival in Perth is timed for the inaugural Perth International Boat Show opening September 22. The crews will then sail to the Whitsundays as a fitting end to this All-Australian Leg 4, with sailors due to arrive there in January 2018.
Updates and race tracker details via Clipper Yacht Race.
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