Washington, DC confirmed as Clipper Race Team Partner and host port
by Clipper Ventures 22 Aug 2023 09:27 AEST
The Capitol Building - Clipper Race © Clipper Race
Washington, DC debuts on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as both a Host Port and Team Partner on the upcoming edition. The US capital will welcome the eleven strong fleet, including the Washington, DC team as it arrives at the end of Leg 7, putting Washington, DC on the race map for the first time in its 27-year Clipper Race history.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sees adventurers from all walks of life take on the exceptional challenge of racing across the world's oceans on board a 70ft yacht. This unique event sees teams battle extreme conditions as they race the 40,000nm circumnavigation.
With no prior sailing experience necessary, Race Crew choose to take on the full round the world challenge or pick one or multiple of the race legs. Before setting sail, they take on an intensive compulsory four-stage training programme before going on to tackle some of the most challenging conditions that Mother Nature can serve up, from freezing temperatures and 40-foot waves to the blistering heat and flat calms of the tropics.
The Clipper 2023-24 Race begins in Portsmouth, UK on 3 September 2023. After over ten months at sea, the eleven teams will arrive to a huge welcome in Washington, DC in June 2024, completing the seventh leg of the circumnavigation.
While berthed in port, Clipper Race partner Events DC will be hosting an extensive catalogue of sports, entertainment, cultural events, and community engagement. Race Crew can relax, unwind, and soak up the sights of this incredible capital before setting off to cross the North Atlantic back to the UK.
Events DC President and CEO, Angie M Gates said "Washington, DC is a world-class destination, and it is an honor for our city to be the start of the eighth and last leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for the very first time.
"As the fleet finishes the seventh leg of the journey, these yachts and their crew will dock in the city and enjoy our waterfronts, rest in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, and relish in all that DC has to offer. Events DC is proud to sponsor a Clipper 70 Yacht in the race and will cheer on our Washington, DC team as the crew circumnavigates the globe, demonstrating their skill and steadfastness."
Laura Ayres, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures, said: "The Clipper Race brings with it a wealth of local and international visitors and this new partnership will allow this historic yet forward thinking American city to connect with new visitors. In addition, it is important to us to involve and make a positive and lasting impact in the communities on our global route and so will be offering the opportunity for Washington, DC locals to engage with our intrepid Race Crew and explore our ocean racing yachts.
"Washington, DC is home to thriving industries including technology, biotech, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and sustainability. The city's team yacht will shine a worldwide spotlight on this highly connected capital and what it has to offer - on its circumnavigation.
"We will be encouraging our Race Crew to make the most of their time in this iconic capital city when they visit in June 2024. Our Race Partner, Events DC, has a fantastic catalogue of events, which means there will be something for everyone to enjoy during the race down time - from sports games, to entertainment, to cultural events and the finest culinary delights."
Leading Washington, DC on its debut circumnavigation will be Race Skipper Hannah Brewis, alongside First Mate Cameron McCracken.
At just 26, Hannah, from the UK, has sailed her whole life, and amassed over 40,000nm through offshore racing and instructing on both the Clipper Race and around Europe, and is now fulfilling the dream of leading her team as a Clipper Race Skipper.
When told she would be leading the circumnavigation on the bold and colourful branded Washington, DC yacht, Hannah said; "The city needs no introduction and just look at our awesome yacht design! I can't wait for us all to be representing this historic American landmark destination as we sail around the world."
98 American crew, aged between 22 and 71 are participating in the Clipper 2023-24 Race and come from a wide variety of backgrounds from professors to police sergeants, surgeons to anesthetists, flight attendants to marine biologists, and everything in between.
The race crew are expected to arrive in Washington, DC from 17 June 2024 and will depart on 25 June to cross the North Atlantic Ocean to Oban, Scotland.
For more information visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com.