Clipper Race fleet and crews arrive in London

Excitement is building in London, with the twelve-strong Clipper Race fleet moored up in St Katharine Docks ahead of Race start next weekend. 

Race Village opens to the public Saturday 24 August ahead of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race departure on September 1 from Tower Bridge, which will see the biggest pageant on the Thames since the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the docks over the Bank Holiday to come down to view the fleet, take in the Race Village atmosphere and experience a rare chance to step on board the ocean racers. Open boats are available from 1100 - 1800 from Saturday 24 until Saturday 31 August. 

Food and retail stalls, entertainment and sailing activities will build Race Start atmosphere ahead of the 40,000-mile ocean odyssey open to anyone regardless of their sailing experience.

Race Village schedule: 

Saturday 24 August - Friday 30 August:
1000 - 1900: (daily) Race Village open
1100 - 1800: (daily - Friday 30) Open boat tours (ticketed, free)

Friday 30 August:
1000 - 1200: Interested in taking part in the race? Crew Recruitment Presentation at the Grange City Hotel to discover more about the race.

Saturday 31 August:
0900 - 1700: Race Village open

Sunday 1 September:
1000 - Official departure ceremony starts

1300 - 1330: Parade of Sail on the Thames