The Clipper Race 2014 - Countdown to Race 10

by Ruth Harrington on 16 Mar 2014 2013 - 14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Race 10 of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race gets underway Sunday (16 March) from Qingdao, China to San Francisco, USA.

The tenth race to San Francisco will see the crew of the world’s longest yacht race take on the power of the mighty Pacific Ocean, as they make their way to California where they will arrive under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The departure ceremony begins Sunday morning and includes an impressive parade of sail before racing gets underway at 1300 local time (0500 UTC).

'After a grand ceremonial departure, the fleet is likely to endure fog and fishing boats in the early stages of Race 10 with cold conditions dominating the first week at sea.' Explains Race Director Justin Taylor.

'The first key milestone will be off the southern tip of Japan and then tactics come into play again as skippers face the age old-dilemma: take the shortest route and risk light airs or head north for a colder but stronger ride east.'

Founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, said, 'This is going to be a very challenging leg, but if this was easy everyone would do it. The fact that it will be tough means the crew will feel a greater sense of satisfaction and pride when they succeed.'

The twelve-strong fleet is expected in San Francisco between 8-12 April where they will be berthed until the start of Race 11 to the Panama Canal on 19 April.