The Clipper 2017-18 Race, Part 2
Photographs by Patrick Trollope BA (Hons) LBPPA

ON Monday, 14 August 2017, the Clipper 2017-18 Race fleet, including the Liverpool 2018 team, arrived in the Albert Dock and a weeklong festival started, ending with the Race starting on 20 August 2017. As all 12 yachts berthed in the Albert Dock, final preparations got underway for the 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation race and teams also showing public and sponsors alike, the vessels. On Thursday, 18 August 2017, Miss Liverpool visited the Clippers, and spoke with us. We also conducted an interview with a German Crew member of Liverpool 2018. But the highlight of the week was watching the crews embark on the voyage of a lifetime, as they sailed out of the River Mersey in the 70 foot (21.336 meter) yachts. Ahead of the 12 teams lay the first of the 8 legs to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, to South America. With 40% of crew have had no previous sailing experience before signing up taking up the training for this race and all crew member amateur sailors, under the guidance of a qualified skipper, no wonder why this is regarded as a true endurance test? No other race is like it!

Liverpool has previously played host to this event for the 2002-03, 2005-06 and 2007-08 races and, when asked, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston  told us:- "I could not stop sailing when I had signed the contract to return the Clipper to Liverpool. I love the City and its people who provide stunning send offs and arrivals, like no other... Also, Liverpool's rich history and globally recognised branding helps create even more interest internationally. But most of all the Albert Dock proves an amazing opportunity for the public to get close to the fleet and the river provides a backdrop like no other City in the UK."

If you missed them sail out, don't fret as we have on the water footage of the race start, on YouTube, plus you can see the interview with the German Crew Member and Miss Liverpool on the account.

Please let us know what you thought of this race start and also are you involved with the race? Email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com with your views, memories and thoughts.

If you want to take part in the next 'Round The World Race' or if you want to follow the teams as they race over the next 11 months, go to:- ClipperRoundTheWorld.Com.

We will be also bringing you lots more news coverage on here as the race progresses.

Please also put in your diaries, 28 July 2018, as on that day, the fleet will be returning to Liverpool and the winning team will be announced... This will be an amazing nautical spectacular, not to be missed! Do encourage your friends and relations to swell the crowd greeting them on their return and give them a Liverpool reception once again!

Liverpool Yacht Club (LYC) and Clipper Ventures Plc. Paramount Stewarding and Security Ltd. and Liverpool City Council for their help over the week.

To see Part 1 via clicking on here...  We will have more photos in next weeks issue as well!

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