Liverpool - Home to the 17/18 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
Liverpool is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and this comes from a southern girl who moved up north; it's cosmopolitan, friendly and full of amazing people, and will offer experiences that are second to none. The sheer amount of exquiste architecture in Liverpool is only second to London. If you consider the difference in size of the cities, Liverpool is far superior. It has the finest examples of Georgian architecture and boosts one of the finest waterfronts in the world, recognised by UNESCO it commands a dominate presence. It is steeped in a plethora of maritime history, from the White Star Line to the slavery trade and for the fourth time will host, The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Whether part of the Clipper Race, the supporting families or those interested in what's going on, make sure you visit some of the incredible sites Liverpool has to offer. From museums to pop culture and architecture, Liverpool has it all. Highlights have to be the Walker Art Gallery; Tate Liverpool; St Georges Hall; The Albert Dock; The Beatles Story and plenty more, even Lime Street Station is worth a visit. The eateries and bars are varied and provide a mixture of experiences for visitors to the city. The Shipping Forecast; The Hub; Bistro Franc and The Blind School; just four examples of great places to drink and eat.
So what is The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race? It's the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who started it in 1996. He wanted to make sailing accessible to everybody and so far has allowed non-sailors, people like you and me to realise their potential and dreams through the Race. It’s the world’s longest ocean race, covering 40,000 miles, twelve identical 70ft stripped down racing yachts, with up to 24 non-professional crew, and just one professional, the skipper, who will form a team and race around the world. The best way to describe the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is Formula 1 on water!! For anybody taking part in the race, it’s a huge challenge, mentally, physically and emotionally. Some of the crew will be spending 11 months on board, and calling it their home. Do you need to be a sailor to sign up? No. All you need is a sense of adventure, a great personality and enthusiasm, Clipper will teach you the rest. And better still, you don't need to do the whole thing. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is about fitting your desire to sail and race with your day to day commitments. Choose the legs you want and fit them in to your life. People sign up for various reasons, so there is no type. To date over 5,000 people have made the decision to take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and I'm one of them.
The crew will sail the Clipper 70. The previous incumbent of the Clipper Race was the '68, For the previous two races the 70 has been the power, life and sanctuary for the crews. If you’ve been to New York and seen Lady Liberty you may well understand this comparison. Shocked the first time I saw her, I expected Lady Liberty to be a rather elegant, athletic woman, but she’s not! You see Lady Liberty is not a size 10/12 which I expected. She’s hefty, solid and strong and that’s how I would describe the old 68’s. They were a work-horse. You’d cuddle a 68, but the 70, wow, she’s so sleek, aloof, with supermodel proportions, she’s intimidating to look at with the straight blunt lines. The 70, has a something about her; she feels spacious. Like most women who have an intimidating exterior, get past that and go below decks and you can feel she feels comforting, welcoming and warm; she has a sole. As on deck the same light and airy feel continues. The galley area is spacious and efficient with saloon seating opposite. There are surprising few areas of the boat that are tight for space, which considering she’s designed and built for ocean racing and not comfort, this is a plus for the crews. Sailing with her is a pleasure, she's wants to break away and she's fun.
So when does it all start? Monday 14th August the boats will arrive into Liverpool and over the week there will be a series of presentations and events to celebrate. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will start on Sunday 20 August 2017. More details and anybody interested in taking part in The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race should log into: www.clipperroundtheworld.com/
Comments