Liverpool gears up for Clipper homecoming 29 July

by Fast Track on 29 Apr 2006 Plans underway for the most spectacular homecoming of the 05-06 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The 10-strong fleet in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race are due to arrive back into the home port of Liverpool on Saturday 29 July, completing the world's longest circumnavigation of the globe under sail. After 35,000 miles of ocean racing and over ten months at sea, the fleet will sail down the River Mersey to the welcoming crowds at approximately 12 noon.

The Liverpool Culture Company is preparing to roll out the red carpet for what will be an emotional finale to a dramatic ocean race, which began in Liverpool last September.

Liverpool's Lord Mayor will lead a civic welcome with aerobatic displays and street entertainment planned before the final prize-giving in Salthouse Dock at 4pm.

Thousands of people are expected to line the Mersey and they can expect a tense climax as the leading yachts cross the finish line, including Liverpool 08 who, with only two points less than the current overall race leaders, westernaustralia.com, are still in with a chance of winning the coveted Clipper Cup.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world, and founder and Chairman of Clipper Ventures PLC said: 'The return of the Clipper Fleet to Liverpool on July 29 signifies the culmination of months of adventure, challenges and experiences as the 10-strong fleet have raced 35,000 miles around the world to complete the full circle.

'Liverpool gave the race a spectacular send-off back in September and the excitement is already building as this great maritime city gears up for the grand finale.'

Currently competing in Leg 5, the fleet are half-way across the Pacific and have just crossed the International Date Line as they head for Victoria, Canada in the 5,600 mile race from Qingdao, China. Currently Victoria Clipper is storming towards their home port in first position, followed by Durban, with Liverpool 08 only 12 miles behind in third place.

On arriving in Canada, the race will have just two legs to go before the full circumnavigation of the globe is complete. Leg 6 leaves Victoria on May 14 and will take the fleet through the Panama Canal to Jamaica. The final leg is set to start on June 20, stopping off at New York before crossing the Atlantic to Jersey, then finally into Liverpool for the 29 July finish.

Professor Drummond Bone, Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, said: 'I'm sure the Liverpool public will be out in force to support them [the Clipper Fleet] after what has been a real roller coaster experience for the crews.'