Clipper 2007-08 Race
Winner: New York

The Clipper 2007-08 Race once again started from Liverpool and saw the ten Clipper 68s complete the fleet’s second circumnavigation.

“In terms of the whole year it was an incredible experience,” explains Uniquely Singapore crew member, Graham McMillan.

“It was tough and life changing in that I met people I will be friends with for the rest of my life and it changed me in terms of the way I interact with people and approach life.”

It was the New York team, skippered by Duggie Gillespie, who claimed the Clipper Race trophy. Securing ten podium finishes out of a possible 14.

The 2007-08 edition also visited the Chinese Sailing City of Qingdao ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, racing north from Singapore.

“Surviving the leg up to China was great achievement. I’ve never been so wet and cold in my life.

“I don’t know how we did it. We just had to take one watch at a time, but it was so hard and we were so glad to see the incredible welcome we got in China.

“Lastly it was the reception we got in Liverpool, both at the start and the finish. The crowds were huge and it all felt a bit surreal that so many people were coming to share in our experience. I’ll never forget the people lining the banks of the Mersey and cheering us in. It still brings a smile to my face.”