The world’s longest ocean race is celebrating its one year Antipodean anniversary in Sydney this Australia Day. The Clipper Race opened its first base outside the UK a year ago. It has spent the past year building a busy race training and corporate events programme as crew from across the country prepare to set sail in the next edition of the world famous global challenge.
There are currently 49 Australian and New Zealand crew members signed up to take on the ‘Race of their Lives’ in the tenth anniversary edition of the Clipper Race which was established in 1996. It starts from the UK on 30 August and includes participation in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race as part of the Australian Leg from Albany, Western Australia to the Whitsundays via Sydney and Hobart, in a series of three races.
Clipper Ventures Australia Managing Director and circumnavigator Kirsty Whyte said: “It has been an exciting and busy year establishing ourselves in Sydney. We not only train Australians but also have many international crew who come here to experience sailing in such a beautiful part of the world.
“We have an amazing playground in which to train crew and a thriving sailing community to work alongside. The Clipper Race is such a unique and amazing opportunity for everyday people to achieve something remarkable. I am delighted to be involved with such a fantastic organisation.”
Australian crew members make up the second largest national contingent on the 40,000 mile ocean odyssey. Creating a training base in Sydney means crew no longer have to travel to the UK for the majority of their pre-race training.
William Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Clipper Ventures, said: “We were responding to demand because of the growing number of Australians wanting to experience a unique adventure, and have been proved right. The success of the race in Asia Pacific is attracting more potential sponsors who want to benefit from a global marketing platform. This region is a key area of development for us.”
In addition, Clipper Ventures Australia runs corporate sailing events ranging from general hospitality to intensive teambuilding, personal development and leadership skills.
The Sydney base also offers the chance for Corinthian sailors to enter iconic race events such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2015.
CLIPPER VENTURES AUSTRALIA FACTS
- 49 Australians and New Zealanders signed up so far for the 2015-16 race.
- Sydney-based fleet covers more than 10,000 nautical miles in 12 months training and racing
- 17 courses scheduled from February to June 2015
- 11 courses run so far
- 84 crew trained so far
– Marina Thomas/Clipper Ventures
