Clipper Yacht Race returns to the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is the favourite leg of the race crews, cementing its position in the 2017-18 event starting August from Liverpool, UKOf all the extraordinary and beautiful places that the Clipper Yacht Race visits, the Whitsundays is said to be a real crew favourite. Making its debut in the 2015-16 race, the Whitsundays returns as a fitting end to the All-Australian Leg 4 with sailors arriving in January 2018.
The crews will arrive in the Whitsundays at the end of Leg 4 from Perth, sailing around the southern half of Australia and up to tropical Queensland coast. The fleet’s arrival in Perth is timed for the inaugural Perth International Boat Show opening September 22.
Race organiser Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said The Whitsundays was an extremely popular stopover port during the last race, for the crew, supporters, and the Clipper Race team.
"A truly stunning location for our crew members and partners, and a perfect place to really relax and unwind in midway through our intense race route," he said.
Being a Clipper 2017-18 Race Host Port will not only enable the Whitsundays region to host the international crew members but also to continue to promote its beautiful surroundings to the global race community as a leading sailing and tourism destination,
From the Clipper Race fleet’s base at Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, crew and supporters will be perfectly placed to explore the Whitsunday Coast and prepare for the Asia Pacific Leg 5.
WHITSUNDAYS RACE CARNIVAL
The Whitsundays Race Carnival will be organised in partnership between the Whitsunday Regional Council, Tourism and Events Queensland and Abell Point Marina. Celebrations will include a regional rodeo and a spectacular lunch on Whitehaven Beach.
The Carnival is expected to attract more than 4000 visitors to the Whitsundays and generate upwards of $3 million for the Queensland economy when the fleet docks in January 2018.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said attracting the Clipper Round the World race is a significant achievement.
"We all know the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie but we also know the resilience and determination of the people and businesses in the Whitsundays.
"The Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival is an ideal way to remind the world that the region is open for business and will continue to be a premiere destination not only for sailing enthusiasts but for all visitors.
SIGN UP TO SAIL
There are limited opportunities to take part in the Clipper 2017-18 Race, which sets sail on August 20 from Liverpool in the UK, and applications are now open for the 2019-20 edition. See Clipper Yacht Race.
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