Sail in the Clipper 07-08 Race
Each of us can participate in a round-the-world sailing race
Nov 29, 2006
Around-the-world yacht racing for the Clipper World Cup has grown in significance since its start in 1995. The 35,000 nautical mile Clipper 07-08 Race offers both experienced and neophyte sailors the opportunity to fully participate in a truly unique sailing experience. Departing the host port of Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture for 2008, successful finishers will circle the globe and return to home in the summer of 2008.
The Dubois Clipper yachts are skippered by professional ocean-going yachtsman and crewed by amateur sailors. Clipper Ventures is the race organizer and is responsible for its complex logistics. Potential crewmembers must raise the funds necessary to complete required training and sail on the route legs that they have selected. Most participants seek some outside help with fundraising and the race sponsor will support their fundraising efforts. Clipper Ventures warns potential crewmembers that this is not a cruise, but a very competitive race and they will need to fully contribute to take part in the event.
Using the single design concept, skippers and crew will pilot 68-foot Dubois designed yachts hosted by city sponsors. Glasgow, Scotland's sponsorship of a Clipper 07-08 race vessel is a prime example of community support for the race. The Glasgow Clipper is scheduled to compete in the upcoming race promoting the message of Glasgow: Scotland with style to the world.
Who can participate?
Any person in good physical condition over the age of eighteen can participate. Crewmembers must complete mandatory race training that costs £2,950 and takes nineteen days to complete. The training fully prepares a sailor for the upcoming race, but also provides lifelong skills required of a safe and capable sailor. Training is composed of three phases:
- Part A – Seven days of basic seamanship combined with day sailing to build on basic skills and confidence.
- Part B – Seven days building on the basic skills, with the addition of inshore and offshore sailing. Race safety, competitive skills, and teamwork the focus of attention.
- Part C – Teams are assigned to sponsored vessels and crewmembers participate in a practice offshore race lasting for a couple of days. Selected crewmembers will receive specialized training in areas like vessel maintenance and communications.
What is the race routing?
The ultimate ports of call for the race are to be determined by community sponsorship and involvement.
- Leg 1 Liverpool – Western European Port – Brazil 4,600 nautical miles and a cost of £4,160.
- Leg 2 Brazil – South Africa 4,650 nautical miles and a cost of £3,400.
- Leg 3 South Africa – Western Australia 4,350 nautical miles and a cost of £3,675.
- Leg 4 Western Australia – Singapore – China 4,400 nautical miles and a cost of £4,150.
- Leg 5 China – Japan – Northwest Coast of North America 5,240 nautical miles and a cost of £3,675.
- Leg 6 Pacific Coast of North America – Panama – Caribbean Island 5,240 nautical miles and a cost of £3,780.
- Leg 7 Caribbean – Eastern Seaboard – Liverpool 4,120 nautical miles and a cost of £4,160.
- Crew cost for entire voyage is £27,000.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is the Chairman of Clipper Ventures and a very experienced round-the-world sailor. Circling the globe in a yacht is the ultimate challenge of sailing. Sir Knox-Johnson says their organizational goal is for participants to say, "That's the best thing I have done in my life." If you can't join the race, consider following it through reading the online logs, subscribing to the Clipper Newsletter, and returning to the sponsors website periodically.
