Clipper Race set to make fourth return to The Whitsundays as part 2023-24 global route

by Coral Sea Marina 18 Aug 2023 17:00 AEST

Clipper Race Whitsundays Parade of Sail © Phill Gordon

Making its fourth appearance on the global race route, Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays will once again welcome the eleven-strong fleet of Clipper Race yachts in January 2024.

Known to be one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, the Clipper Race welcomes people from diverse walks of life from all around the world to become ocean racing sailors. Battling through the most extreme conditions, and facing whatever Mother Nature throws their way, it is a true test of determination to the finish line.

Crew can either take on the challenge of the full 40,000nm circumnavigation or choose one or multiple legs of the epic adventure.

Airlie Beach will feature on the fourth stage of the event's circumnavigation which starts from Portsmouth, UK on 3 September 2023.

After visiting Puerto Sherry, Spain, Punta Del Este, Uruguay and Cape Town, South Africa, the fleet will head to Australia. Making their first stop in Fremantle, teams will then travel to Newcastle, New South Wales before heading upwards to make their final Australian stop in Airlie Beach. Here they will enjoy the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery of The Whitsunday Islands and enjoy the rest and recuperation before the next Leg begins.

CLipper Race Coral Sea Marina Stopover - photo © Phill Gordon

Joscelyn O'Keefe, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Host Port, Coral Sea Marina Resort said "Following the positive economic impact of its previous visits, we are delighted to once again be Host Port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Having the opportunity to further promote our region as a leading sailing destination in the Southern Hemisphere is one which we couldn't pass up.

"This will be the fourth time the Clipper Race fleet has been welcomed to Coral Sea Marina Resort and the team here are very much looking forward to the buzz the race fleet creates at the marina and throughout Airlie Beach during their stay.

"We will be working closely with the Clipper Race team to find ways to engage the community with the race and make this another memorable stopover for the race crews and their supporters."

Mark Light, Race Director at Clipper Ventures, said "We are really happy that our Clipper Race fleet will be visiting three different locations in Australia on Leg 4 of the Clipper 2023-24 Race edition.

"Race Crew will embark on the second race of Leg 4 where they will head further north and up the Australian East coast to the warmer airs, azure blue waters and be able to take in the beauty of The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. This will be the fourth time that the Clipper Race has visited The Whitsundays and our crews will have an incredible time in such a stunning location."

While hosted at the Coral Sea Marina Resort, crew will be provided with the perfect base to explore the stunning landscapes of the local area as they take a few days here to unwind and enjoy the many hidden gems.

29 Australian crew members aged between 22 and 69 will be joining the adventure of a lifetime. Eight of the Australian crew will sail into the Host Port at Airlie Beach at the end of Leg 4, and a further six crew will sail out as they embark on Leg 5 of the race.