The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Maritime spectacle’ pledge
Clipper Race: Mayor delighted with ‘coup’ as round-the-world epic returns
The biggest round-theworld ocean race will set sail from Liverpool this summer.
The Clipper Race, a 40,000-nautical mile adventure, is returning to the city for the fourth time.
Liverpool will host the race start on August 20 – and the triumphant return of participants 11 months later in 2018.
The city’s mayor Joe Anderson has promised a “maritime spectacle” on the River Mersey.
He said: “It is a huge coup for Liverpool to once again play host to the start and finish of this prestigious race.
“This city embraces and thrives on maritime spectacles – our affinity with the river is always much-celebrated, and being the start and finish partner of the Clipper 2017-18 race is sure to attract thousands to our world-famous waterfront.”
The prestigious race will stop at a number of locations including Cape Town, Sydney, China and New York during the circumnavigation of the planet.
Founder of the race Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail singlehandedly non-stop around the world, said he was thrilled by the announcement.
He said: “A significant site for UK maritime history – I fondly remember the warm reception we received when Liverpool last hosted the Clipper Race and am looking forward to returning to Albert Dock again this August.
“The Clipper Race has grown enormously in number of participants, yacht entries, economic influence and media value since it was last hosted by Liverpool a decade ago, and we are looking forward to putting on an even bigger show in the city this time, which will not just have significant local economic impact, but will also put a maritime spotlight on the city all around the world.”
The race is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors, and a report earlier this month urged the company behind the biennial event to do more to ensure yacht skippers are effectively supported.
Andrew Ashman, 49, from Kent, suffered a fatal neck injury in September 2015. His death was the first in the race’s 20-year history. It was followed in April last year by the death of Sarah Young, 40, of London, who was washed off the deck of the IchorCoal during the Pacific leg of the race.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch investigated and recommended the race should review and modify its on-board manning policy and shore-based management procedures so Clipper yacht skippers are effectively supported and, where appropriate, challenged to ensure safe working practices are maintained continuously on board.
Other recommendations included that it should complete its review of the risks associated with a man overboard and recovery situation, and its development of appropriate control measures.
“We are looking forward to putting on an even bigger show this time”