The Clipper 2017-18 Race may be over but there’s no rest for the ever-busy Maintenance Team which has entered into one of its busiest periods.

Over the next nine months, each of the Clipper 70s will be subject to a rigorous refit in order to have the fleet ready for the next adventure – the Clipper 2019-20 Race.

VIDEO: Dare To Lead being lifted after completing its 40,000 nautical mile round the world adventure.

Two Clipper 70s will be lifted at a time for six weeks of onshore maintenance. The programme of work – which will take around 35,000 work hours by the Maintenance Team – will see the yachts stripped, new parts fitted, and slight reorganisations made in order to make life a little easier for the crew members who will set sail in the summer of 2019.

IMAGE: Nasdaq (CV31) lifted after completing the eleven month Clipper 2017-18 Race.

Nasdaq (CV31) and Dare To Lead (CV25) were the first two boats to be lifted and looked in great condition fresh from their 40,000 nautical mile plus journeys around the globe, especially thanks to the Copppercoat Antifoul, which saved the Maintenance Team from having to lift the boats in Australia for a new coat like they have needed to do in previous races.

IMAGE: The refit work begins on Dare To Lead (CV25).

Stay tuned to the Behind-the-Scenes section of the website to see updates and information about the refit – including when the Clipper 70s will be given their new colours for the 2019-20 edition of the race!