Team Finland enters Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race

by Zoe Williamson on 28 Aug 2009 Finland has been confirmed as an entry in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, a debut for the Scandinavian country in the biennial event. The yacht, named Team Finland, will compete against nine identical stripped down 68-foot racing yachts in the 35,000 mile race around the world.

Team Finland’s nine competitors are each sponsored by an international city, region or country, including Uniquely Singapore, Qingdao, Jamaica, and Hull & Humber, all of whom will be making return appearances having recognised that the Clipper Race provides a unique platform for delivering global market exposure. Joining the race for the first time will be California, whose participation has been endorsed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger following the Clipper fleet’s inaugural visit to the state in the last edition of the race. Cape Breton Island, Spirit of Australia and Cork are also making their debuts and are joined by Edinburgh Inspiring Capital whose recent announcement was endorsed by a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The 2009-10 race will start from the Humber on the east coast of England on 13 September 2009, returning on 17 July 2010.

Endorsed by the Finnish Tourist Board, the country’s entry will act as a floating billboard during the course of the ten month race, promoting the region as a tourist destination and reaching an audience of more than 200 million.

'We at the Finnish Tourist Board are extremely happy to have one yacht named after our country and company,' said Jaakko Lehtonen, Director General of the Finnish Tourist Board. 'Boat racing enthusiasts all over the world will have the chance to view the race and find their way to the mouth watering attractions of Finland readily at hand via the web (www.visitfinland.com).

'I wish all the best to all participating teams and hope you all will enjoy a tough but fair race!' he added.

The Clipper Race was founded by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1969. He wanted others to be able to follow in his footsteps regardless of previous sailing ability; more than 40 percent of those taking part in the Clipper Race have never sailed before embarking on their pre-race training.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir Robin said, 'Team Finland marks the first time Scandinavia has fielded an entry in the Clipper Race and I know they will prove to be fierce competition for the nine other international entries. With an experienced Finnish skipper leading the team and national representatives amongst the crew, the team will be worthy ambassadors for Finland.'

The crew for Clipper 09-10 come from all walks of life, representing more than 230 professions and 33 nationalities. Despite their diverse backgrounds they are all united by the desire to put their normal lives on hold and take on nature in the raw. Round the world crew member, Emil Vartiainen, a 20-year-old student from Kirkkonummi, was delighted to hear he would be racing on board Team Finland.

'It’s great to have your own country represented in an international sporting event,' said Emil. 'It brings a new level of patriotism to me and I am really honoured to be sailing on the Finnish boat and representing my country around the world.'

Each of the teams is led by a professional skipper and taking charge of Team Finland is Eero Lehtinen from Helsinki.

'I am thrilled about the news to be carrying Finland’s blue and white colours on our mainsail and hull around the world!' exclaimed the 45-year-old skipper. 'It certainly gives me and my Finnish crew members a massive boost of pride and energy and will help when we battle the elements and challenges thrown at us over the next ten months.

'Having lived abroad for the last eight years, this is like a homecoming for me. Representing my home country in my third race around the world is a huge honour,' he added.

Berths for the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race have sold out but anyone who would like to sign up for Clipper 11-12 can now register to receive an application form.

For more details, visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com