Liverpool is the host city for the start of this year’s Clipper 2002 round the world yacht race. Clipper Ventures Plc, the AIM listed marine events company chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, has today announced a ‘200,000 host port deal for its flagship event which will start from Albert Dock, Liverpool on Sunday 27 October 2002, returning in September 2003 after 35,000 miles of racing on the high seas.
For the first time, international cities are invited to have an entry in this challenging global contest and teams from Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow and Cape Town have each accepted the 11-month challenge. This race, organised by Clipper Ventures Plc, Clipper 2002, is a biennial 16-stage race, featuring eight identical 60-foot racing yachts, crewed by paying amateurs in a series that takes a course around the centre of the globe.
Clipper 2002 will take a predominately downwind route following the trade winds and passing through some of the classic yacht racing territories, stopping at cities in Europe and Asia, as well as North and South America. It is set to pass through a wide variety of weather systems which require the full range of sailing skills, from patience to steer through calms, flying downwind under spinnaker before a trade wind, to beating through the Southern Ocean around the Cape of Good Hope.
Worldwide discussions are underway to see who will complete the eight-strong line-up, with further announcements planned within the month. A story of improving fortunes saw Liverpool Clipper achieve a creditable fourth place overall in The Times Clipper 2000 race, however, the new Liverpool Clipper team will be especially keen to clinch victory against the formidable international field expected in Clipper 2002.
“This is excellent news both for Liverpool and Clipper Ventures,” said Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc and the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world.
“The city’s participation in Clipper 2002, coupled with today’s host port announcement, means that we have a significant deal worth in excess of ‘500,000 and we look forward to working with Liverpool City Council to secure the necessary corporate sponsors for Liverpool Clipper.”
Clipper Ventures Plc, with the assistance of Liverpool City Council, are seeking 10 major corporate sponsors who wish to use this unique opportunity to billboard their business.
A ‘25,000 sponsorship package buys prominent signage on the Liverpool Clipper, a dynamic 60ft racing yacht, and offers a host of media, marketing and promotional opportunities in the UK and overseas, as well as providing considerable networking opportunities and prestigious Corporate Hospitality events in the varied international stopover ports.
Training races for the Clipper 2002 are scheduled from 11-30 September, one of which will start from Liverpool, and the fleet of eight yachts will gather at Albert Dock from 17 October 2002 for pre-start preparations.
The search is now on for a yachtsman to skipper the Liverpool Clipper yacht. Applicants, male or female, must have an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate with a current commercial endorsement, as well as plenty of hands-on experience as a Skipper, preferably with some racing experience. The ideal candidate will also possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to demonstrate a high level of seamanship and safety, as well as endless energy, drive, determination and commitment.
With over 60 per cent of competitor berths already taken, crew applications are also welcomed from Liverpool’s budding amateur sailors, men or women from every walk of life and age, to compete on individual legs or to face the challenge of the whole circumnavigation. Successful crew applicants, with or without sailing experience, will undergo extensive training programmes to prepare for the challenges of racing a 60-foot ocean going yacht.
Clipper 2002 Race Route
Outward
1st Leg Liverpo