2005-09-18
THEY'RE OFF...
Clipper Ventures PLC’s ten new yachts competing in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race crossed the start line in the River Mersey at midday on Sunday amid spectacular scenes ahead of their 35,000-mile circumnavigation.
Double Olympic Gold Medallist James Cracknell fired the start gun from the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 08.
The world record rower said: ''I'm full of admiration for those who are taking part in the challenge - I'm sure it'll be a life changing experience and wish them all the very best of luck."
Qingdao Clipper, skippered by 35-year-old Danny Watson, led the fleet across the line closely followed by New York and then Jersey Clipper. All the skippers decided to opt for the number one yankee headsail in the light breeze, apart from Graeme Johnston and his crew on Glasgow who stood out from the crowd with their larger genoa.
The new fleet of identical Clipper 68 yachts, each named after their international sponsor, set sail following a spectacular send off from Liverpool’s Albert Dock. Thousands of spectators lined to banks of the River Mersey to watch the yachts cross the start line after months of training and preparation.
The start took place amidst a carnival staged on the banks of the River Mersey that included street theatre, marquees from international sponsors, live music, an aerobatic display and a flotilla of more than 80 boats, attracting over 100,000 guests.
Boat songs played out over the PA system as the boats left the Canning Half Tide Dock on Sunday morning to cheers from the crowds. Jersey Clipper crewmembers set free hundreds of red and white balloons as they entered the Mersey while the westernaustralia.com crew dressed in Australian surf shorts in their boat colours of blue and yellow threw sunflowers to the spectators as they left the dock.
Among the gathered crowds were many of the crew’s family and friends as they waved their loved ones farewell ahead of their 10-month voyage around the world. Some of the fascinating ports of call on the way include Durban, South Africa; Perth, Western Australia; Qingdao, China; Victoria, Canada; New York, USA; Jersey and Singapore.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, founder and Chairman of Clipper Ventures PLC commented: "It’s a joy to see these great adventurers set off in such magnificent scenes. We wish them fair winds, the best of luck and a safe race around the world."
After a brief stop-over in Cascais, Portugal the teams cross the Atlantic as they make their way down to Salvador in Brazil. This will be the first of three Atlantic crossings in the challenging race around the globe.
When the crews return to Liverpool’s Albert Dock on July 1 2006, Liverpool can be relied on to provide a magnificent homecoming to this truly international round the world race.
PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: Ingrid ABery/Clipper Ventures Plc 94
Clipper Ventures plc, Shamrock Quay, William Street, Northam, Southampton SO14 5QL
Tel: +44 (0)23 8023 7088. Fax: +44 (0)23 8023 7081.
e-mail: info@clipper-ventures.com
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