Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to be hosted at Olympic venue

by Ruth Harrington on 29 Jun 2013 The 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is to be hosted by the Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro this October. The port will bring to a close Leg 1 of the Clipper Race which sets sail from London on 1 September, creating a fitting link between the hosts of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

'We are really pleased to be returning to Rio and to be based in the marina selected to host the 2016 Olympic sailing events,' said Clipper Race founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. 'We have significant experience of working with Olympic venues such as Qingdao in China which hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympic sailing. Given that London is hosting the fleet departure, it’s a great destination for the first leg of the race and Marina da Gloria has the facilities we require to accommodate our new fleet of twelve 70-foot ocean racing yachts.'

The Marina da Gloria has a long tradition of hosting major nautical events. The hosting of the ninth edition of the Clipper Race and its twelve-strong fleet of new third generation Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts is part of the strategy to consolidate Rio de Janeiro City as an international nautical destination. In addition it is recognised that the inclusive nature of events such as the Clipper Race help to grow participation in the sport in many sectors of Brazilian society.

In its announcement, REX, the Marina da Gloria concessionary company, said: 'Hosting a prestigious event such as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race demonstartes our capacity to support major maritime events, helping Rio de Janeiro to establish itself as a leading internationally destination.

We look forward to welcoming the corageous Clipper Race crew and we are very proud to be hosting this event after meeting all its requirements in line with internatioal standards. Besides our spectacular setting, Marina da Gloria offers extensive facilities. We believe that hosting the Clipper Race will help to grow public interest and participation in nautical sport in Brazil.'

The Clipper Race has a long track record with developing Olympic facilities, legacy and public participation through its partnership with Qingdao in China which dates back to 2005 and currently extends to 2016, as our longest relationship of six consecutive races. We have helped Qingdao prepare for their hosting of the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and subsequently develop a strong legacy as China’s Sailing City, introducing hundreds of citizens into sailing, developing their marine economy and fielding Chinese crew on the Qingdao entries in the Clipper Race.

Leg 1 of the Clipper 13-14 Race is expected to arrive at Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro between 1-5 October 2013 and will depart on Leg 2 to Cape Town in South Africa on 11 October.
Clipper Round the World website