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RACE HISTORY

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world on his legendary sailboat, Suhaili, during the Golden Globe Challenge in 1969.

It was during an expedition in greenland a few years later, that Sir Robin made a parallel between the level of engagement and costs associated with climbing Mount Everest and sailing around the world. Conquering Mount Everest represents the peak of success of all mountaineers whereas sailing around the world represents the peak of success for all sailors.

In both cases, Sir Robin believed that one should be able to achieve the challenge with good preparation and physical condition, good equipment and a guide. 

It is based on those principles that he founded the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. A race that offers an open invitation and opportunity to all whom wish to sail around the world.

To find out more on the history of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, visit its official website by clicking here :

THE CONCEPT (how does it work?)

The organisation (The Clipper) builds a fleet of identical sailboats (monotype / one-design) which are used for 4 editions/races.

In every edition, which occurs every 2 years, each boat is represented by a different sponsor, whom puts their brand logo on the sailboat. 

The fleet and crew members are also sponsored by partnered organisations for official sailing equipment, chandlery and support throughout the race.
 

The Clipper then finds its guides by calling back every applicant. All applicants must undergo a series of interviews and intensive performance testing in order to identify and select those who can overcome the gruelling challenges of being at sea, while managing and ensuring the safety of a fleet and amateur crew of sailors around the world. In the end, only the 12 best candidates among hundreds of applicants are selected. 

As for the crew members? Each crew member must submit their application along with a short story that highlights their motivations for taking part in this race. Once this first step is completed, an interview is set with the head of recruitment of The Clipper organisation. The recruitment team then performs a final review of all the applications before giving the green light. Once selected, each participant must complete 4 levels of training and evaluations in order to be well prepared for the challenge that lies ahead. During this time, the appointed captains and instructors analyze and classify each crew member according to their level of expertise.
 

Once the 12 captains have been selected and the participants have been trained, all crew members are divided into teams that are deemed of equal strength and competitiveness. The teams are determined only a few months before the races' departure date. 

To learn more about the teams that will take part in the 2017-2018 edition, click on the link below :

TYPICAL RACE COURSE

Departure/Arrival : United Kingdom

Leg 1 : ... to South America

Leg 2 : ... to South Africa

Leg 3 : ... to Australia

Leg 4 : Tour of Australia

Leg 5 : ... to China

Leg 6 : ... to the United States (Pacific crossing)

Leg 7 : Tour of the United States via the Panama canal

Leg 8 : ... return to the United Kingdom (Atlantic crossing)

To learn more about the exact route that will be undertaken in the 2017-2018 edition, click on the link below :
 

THE BOATS

The third generation of one-design Clipper Race yachts debuted in the Clipper 2013-2014 Race, proving to be faster and more dynamic then previous Clipper Race yachts, breaking speed records of 35 knots. Designed by the renowned naval architect Tony Castro, they are the shining jewel in the Clipper Race crown, perfectly adapted to this gruelling sailing challenge. Note: The Clipper 70s will undergo their 3rd edition on this race.

As with all lean, mean ocean racing yachts, the Clipper 70s are not for the faint hearted. They are by design stripped of all luxuries. Crew must become experts at living in a confined space, managing all their kit and belonging as they settle into their new home.

The Clipper 70s feature twin helms, twin rudders and a six-foot bowsprit, which allows the inclusion of three large asymmetric spinnakers and a suite of Yankee headsails, which combine to increase performance and boat speed. The new design provides total control in the heaviest of conditions (wind speed greater then 30 knots), ensuring not only high speeds, but safety too.

To learn more about the Clipper 70s, click on the link below :

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