2016 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Plans Stop in Seattle First Time in 19 Years
The tenth edition of the biennial 40,000 mile Clipper Race, exclusively for amateur sailors, is regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. It was established in 1996 by British yachting legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to Seattle for the first time,” said Sir Robin. “As well as being an exciting host port for our crew members and partners, it is also an excellent international platform for Seattle to promote itself and its strengths to our global race community.”
The matched fleet of twelve 70-foot ocean racing yachts will arrive in Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina in mid-April 2016 after completing the notorious 5,600 mile ‘North Pacific Ocean Challenge’ leg from Qingdao, China.
Ralph Morton, Executive Director of the Seattle Sports Commission commented: “Hosting the Clipper Race allows Seattle to showcase all of its great attractions, opportunities and industries to an international audience.
“This platform will allow Seattle an opportunity to develop long-term relationships with both domestic and international partners and drive economic opportunity to the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to welcoming Clipper Race crew and supporters to Seattle and wish them a wonderful stay in our great city.”
The Clipper Race fleet will be berthed in the city for approximately ten days after a gruelling month-long race across the challenging waters of the North Pacific. Hundreds of crew, friends, family and supporters will have a well-earned break and get to explore the city and surrounding area. Seattle will then kick-start the American Coast to Coast Leg of the Clipper Race to New York City, via the Panama Canal.
The Clipper Race is unique in that it trains amateurs to take on the world’s most challenging oceans under the leadership of professional skippers. Crews come from all walks of life, represent over 40 different nationalities, and are aged 18 to 70 plus; more than a third are female. 40 per cent of crew have no sailing experience before they sign up to take part as full training is provided.
Starting in London, UK, on August 30, this year, the circumnavigation is divided into eight individual legs and will take almost a year to complete in a global series of races between six continents, encountering some of Mother Nature’s toughest conditions.
The Clipper 2015-16 Race will end back in London later in July 2016.
