Clipper Race sets sail for Mexico with stop in Cozumel, Quintana Roo

The Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race will stop in Cozumel, Mexico in 2014 forging an exciting new partnership with the region of Quintana Roo.

Cozumel, situated off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is already a popular stop for cruise liners and will provide the Clipper Race crews with an exotic respite on their 40,000-mile journey around the world.

Known for its seaside resorts, scuba diving and snorkelling in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, nautical and archaeological tourism, Cozumel and the Quintana Roo region are looking to export their brand to the world.

The partnership with the Clipper Race has been spearheaded by Governor of Quintana Roo, Roberto Borge Angulo as he looks to grow the reputation of his region as a venue for both tourism and business.

Governor Borge Angulo said: “Records will be beaten, legends will be made, it's history in the making; there is no other event like the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race and Quintana Roo is proud to host it in 2014 in its world-renowned natural wonder: Cozumel Island."

"Happenings as important as the Clipper Race bring new opportunities to consolidate our state as a versatile world destination. This event stimulates the economy and diversifies the touristic offer of the region, inserting Quintana Roo into the global markets, which is one of the main objectives of this administration."

"The Clipper Race, an international sailing race and one of a kind, allows Cozumel and Quintana Roo to be in the spotlight," he added.

Cozumel will be the only Mexican stop on the Clipper 13-14 Race and will be the first time that the race has visited Mexico, with crews arriving on Leg 7 after transiting through the Panama Canal on their way to New York.

It is hoped that the agreement will build on ties between the UK and Quintana Roo, securing a higher profile in the UK tourism market and to open up valuable trade links; it is anticipated that this will provide a welcome economic boost as well as putting Cozumel in front of the eyes of the European market and other destinations that the Clipper Race visits on its journey around the world. The ultimate goal for both parties is to work with organisations in Quintana Roo and throughout Mexico towards securing a yacht entry in the Clipper Race.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-9. It is unique in that it trains twelve teams of amateurs to take on the challenge of a lifetime, a global ocean race, each under the guidance of a professional skipper, allowing ordinary people to achieve something extraordinary.

Clipper Race founder Sir Robin said: “We are pleased to be able to announce Cozumel as one of our host ports for the Clipper 13-14 Race. We are sure that our crew will enjoy all that this destination has to offer and we are looking forward to forging stronger links with the Quintana Roo region. The Clipper Race has a track record of boosting tourism for its host ports and destination sponsors.”