Race Start
20 Aug 2017 / All Day
The Clipper Race is returning to the vibrant and friendly city of Liverpool for the first time in ten years for the start of the 2017-18 race, which sets sail on Sunday 20 August.
Join the crowds lining the walkway of the historic Albert Dock and River Mersey to bid farewell to hundreds of courageous UK and international crew members, as they step on board the fleet of twelve 70ft ocean racing yachts to set off on their 40,000 mile global voyage.
Liverpool is the Clipper Races most frequented start and finish Host Port. This edition marks its fourth time as Host Port and Merseyside is preparing a week-long festival to welcome Race Crew, supporters and the Clipper 70’s to the World Heritage City. Famous for its music, sport, modern art and shopping welcoming over 60 million visitors every year, Liverpool is a city with culture and creativity in its DNA.
Join in the celebrations and watch the intrepid crew, who represent more than 40 nationalities, make final preparations and bid emotional farewells ahead of their remarkable adventure.
Racing across six continents, they will face some of Mother Nature's toughest conditions before returning almost a year later as ocean warriors.
The Race Start will begin with a Slipping Lines ceremony at 0915 in the city’s world-famous UNESCO waterfront Albert Dock before all twelve yachts and their courageous UK and international crew form a spectacular parade of sail on the River Mersey from 1115 to 1200.
At 1230, the Clipper 2017-18 Race start gun will mark the beginning of the circumnavigation which, subject to change pending approval, will start with a short course on the River Mersey, a chance for spectators to get up and very close to the action.
- 0800: Race Village Open
- 0900: Fleet slip lines and move to Canning Half Tide Dock
- 0915: Departure Ceremony
- 1000: Fleet move to the Mersey
- 1115: Clipper Race fleet Parade of Sail
- 1200: Fleet prepare for the Race Start
- 1230: Race Start
Venue
Albert Dock, 34 The Colonnades, Liverpool L3 4AA