Olympic venue to host Clipper Race in Rio de Janeiro

The 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is to be hosted by the Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro this October. The port will conclude Leg 1 of the Clipper Race which departs London on 1 September, creating a fitting link between the hosts of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

“We are really pleased to be returning to Rio and to be based in the marina selected to host the 2016 Olympic sailing events,” said Clipper Race founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“We have significant experience of working with Olympic venues such as Qingdao in China which hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympic sailing. Given that London is hosting the fleet departure, it’s a great destination for the first leg of the race and Marina da Gloria has the facilities we require to accommodate our new fleet of twelve 70-foot ocean racing yachts.”

The Marina da Gloria has a long tradition of hosting major nautical events. The hosting of the ninth edition of the Clipper Race and its twelve-strong fleet of new third generation Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts is part of the strategy to consolidate Rio de Janeiro City as an international nautical destination. In addition it is recognised that the inclusive nature of events such as the Clipper Race help to disseminate the sport in many sectors of Brazilian society.

In its announcement, REX, the Marina da Gloria concessionary company,  said: “Hosting a prestigious event such as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race demonstartes our capacity to support major maritime events, helping Rio de Janeiro to establish itself as a leading internationally destination. We look forward to welcoming the corageous Clipper Race crew and we are very proud to be hosting this event after meeting all its requirements in line with internatioal standards. Besides our spectacular setting, Marina da Gloria offers extensive facilities. We believe that hosting the Clipper Race will help to grow public interest and participation in nautical sport in Brazil.”

The Clipper Race has a long track record with developing Olympic facilities, legacy and public participation through its partnership with Qingdao in China which dates back to 2005 and currently extends to 2016, as the race's longest relationship of six consecutive races. The Clipper Race has helped Qingdao prepare for the city's hosting of the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and subsequently develop a strong legacy as China’s Sailing City, introducing hundreds of citizens into sailing, developing their marine economy and fielding Chinese crew on the Qingdao entries in the Clipper Race.

The IOC elected Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as host city for the Games of the XXXI Olympiad: The Sailing Competition will take place on Marina da Gloria in Guanabara Bay, the second largest bay in Brazil, at 159 square miles (412 sq k). Brazil has a proud record in Olympic sailing, in fact it is one of the nation's most successful Olympic sports. Torben Grael is the only sailor to have won five Olympic medals. At Beijing 2008 in Qingdao. Fernanda Oliveira and Isabel Swan became the first female Brazilian sailors to win an Olympic medal.

Click here for more info on the event venue.

Leg 1 of the Clipper 13-14 Race will consist of two races, the first ending in Brest, France around 3-4 September. Race two starts 9 September and is expected to arrive at Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janeiro between 1-5 October 2013 and will depart on Leg 2 to Cape Town in South Africa on 11 October.