Uniquely Singapore launches Clipper 07-08 campaign

by Clipper Ventures on 15 May 2007 Solo round-the-world yachtsman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, helped set Uniquely Singapore Clipper on her race around the globe this morning (13 May 2007).

The 68-foot yacht representing Singapore in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is officially on course for her next Clipper campaign. She will compete against nine other Clipper 68s in the race, all of which are named after international cities or regions. This will be the second time Uniquely Singapore Clipper has competed in the race.

Sir Robin, who returned to a hero’s welcome in Portsmouth yesterday, said, ‘For us it is going to be another adventure with Singapore, sharing the delights of sailing round the world. We are very proud that we will be helping Singapore yet again promote itself around the world by means of this boat.’

He added, ‘We look forward to the Singaporeans in the crew coming back with their characters developed a little – a little more self-confident. For us it’s an enormous pleasure to once again have Singapore involved in our race around the world. We’re looking forward to sharing adventures, I hope the people in Singapore will share it too.’

Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honour at the event at St Katharine’s Docks in London, officially launching the Uniquely Singapore Clipper campaign.

He said, ‘It’s not just about Singapore, it’s about the way we are creating relationships with the rest of the world, in a uniquely Singaporean way; and I’m sure that spirit will carry the yacht through its many stops and make all of us feel a little richer for it.’

Speaking of the crew, he called them ‘Adventurous individuals who want to do something and discover new strengths in them and help them to become even stronger individuals.’ And they are, he said, ‘The type of Singaporean who makes Singapore a global city, wanting to do something different, something exceptional and make friends along the way.’

The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race is the only fully-crewed ocean race for non-professional sailors. Approximately 40 percent of those taking part have never sailed before embarking on their training. The 35,000-mile race will take ten months to complete and call at 14 ports en route, as well as crossing the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Southern Ocean.