News

Jamaica to field debut entry in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

10 September 2007

Although Jamaica will compete for the first time alongside yachts representing cities including New York, Glasgow, Singapore, Durban, Qingdao and the state of Western Australia, the Clipper fleet has enjoyed the country’s hospitality before. The ten 68-foot ocean racing yachts berthed at Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio during a port visit on the Clipper 05-06 Race.

Jamaica will be officially named in Albert Dock, Liverpool, at 12.30pm on Saturday 15 September in a ceremony attended by sailing legend, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc.

Sir Robin said, “I am delighted that Jamaica will be represented for the first time in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race. She will join yachts representing cities from all corners of the globe in an event that draws intense international media attention.”

His Excellency the Honourable Burchell Whiteman, O.J., Jamaica High Commissioner, London said, “Port Antonio enjoyed showing off their hidden treasures during the Clipper Race visit in 2006. I am delighted that there will be a yacht named Jamaica in Clipper 07-08 that will be representing our country as they race around the world. I wish all the yachts every success in their great endeavour. Jamaica looks forward to extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all the crews and their families in 2008.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director, UK/N. Europe, Elizabeth Fox said, “We’re delighted to be a part of this exciting yacht race which will bring both the island of Jamaica and the charming harbour of Port Antonio under the international spotlight. Jamaica already receives nearly 200,000 British visitors a year, but we hope that Jamaica’s association with this race will inspire even more to visit our beautiful island. We wish the Jamaica crew the fastest and safest of journeys and will ensure that there is a great Jamaican welcome for them when they arrive in the country next May.”

The crew of Jamaica is delighted to become ambassadors for the island. Each of the ten crews competing in the race chooses a boat song to help them on their way and, not surprisingly, the music of Bob Marley will accompany their arrival and departure from ports around the world.

Jamaica’s skipper, Simon Bradley, was very pleased to hear the news commenting, “I’m ecstatic. I couldn’t be more pleased to be representing Jamaica. It is a country with a great identity, recognised around the world. I’m very proud.”

Simon competed as a crew member on the winning yacht, Bristol, on the Times Clipper 2000 Race and now, as a fully-qualified skipper, is the only professional sailor on board. The Clipper 07-08 Race is the only global yacht race for non-professional yachtsmen and women. Approximately 40 percent of those who take part have never sailed before embarking on their pre-race training. Crews come from all walks of life and age is no barrier – anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to apply to compete on the whole circumnavigation or one or more individual legs.

The fleet is due to arrive in Port Antonio, Jamaica on 19 May 2008 and will leave on the start of leg seven on 25 May, heading north towards New York.

Visit Clipper Round The World Yacht Race for more exciting updates.