News

Less than 24 hours to go…

15 September 2007

With less than 24 hours to go now until the starting cannon fires on the Mersey to signal the start of the sixth Clipper Race, activity on the pontoons has been reaching fever pitch.

Today, following the fleet blessing by Reverend Steven Brookes, Rector of Liverpool, both Qingdao and Jamaica were officially named in colourful, noisy and highly enjoyable ceremonies featuring a traditional lion dance for Qingdao, steel drums for Jamaica and lots of champagne sprayed across the boats and gathered well-wishers.

Madam Zang Aimin, Vice Mayor of Qingdao and Executive Chairwoman of the Sailing Sub-Committee of the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, officially named the yacht which will promote the city around the world as the venue for the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. For Jamaica the honour fell to Mrs Joline Whiteman, wife of His Excellency the Honourable Burchell Whiteman O.J., Jamaica High Commissioner, London, who was also there and addressed the crowds gathered to help celebrate the naming of the first ever Jamaican entry in a round the world yacht race.

For those on shore, Benromach, race partner of Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, hosted a series of whisky tutorials allowing visitors to sample the range of single malts produced at their distillery at Forres in Scotland. They also presented the crew of Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper with a bottle of specially distilled malt whisky. Bottled from a single sherry cask, this single malt is hand selected and has been bottled at 53% ABV, which represents the latitude of Liverpool. Both Hannah Jenner, Skipper of the Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, and Keith Cruickshank, Benromach Distillery Manager have signed the label of the bottle.

On Hull & Humber visiting dignitaries signed the Wilberforce Petition calling for the abolition of modern day slavery. It is being taken around the world by the members of the ONE HULL Tag Team, ten young people who competed for the chance to represent their region on the yacht.

The crew of Nova Scotia had a special visitor in the form of eight-year-old James Riley. James was one of the patients at Alderhey Children’s Hospital who met crew members during a visit there on Thursday. He loved talking to them about the yachts and the adventure ahead and had recovered enough to be able to visit the yacht in Albert Dock with his parents and little brother, Sam. James will also help start the race tomorrow.

Finally today all those taking part in leg 1 of the race massed at the Maritime Museum for a crew briefing, addressed by sailing legend and founder of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who passed on a last few words of wisdom and bid them bon voyage for the challenge that lies ahead.

The crews are now ready and raring to go. This evening, before the pre-race nerves kick in, they are spending time with family and friends or, in the case of Jamaica, at one last party before they leave for the adventure of a lifetime.

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