Chinese Consulate Visits Clipper Race Fleet in Fremantle

With Chinese representation in the Clipper Race higher than ever before and three Chinese team entries showcasing the destinations of Qingdao, Sanya and Zhuhai, a visit from the Chinese Consulate to Perth was a very fitting way to celebrate.

Speaking during the visit, Madam Dong Zhihua, Consul, said: “This is the first time we have visited the Clipper Race. We love the idea of people from all walks of life, from all over the globe, working together to race the oceans.

“Aside from interest through my formal role as Consul General, I found the stories so interesting! I am very proud that we have so many Chinese sailors on these boats, and three of eleven of the yachts are representing beautiful Chinese cities."

Madam Dong Zhihua, Consul General was joined by Mrs Jin Qian, Deputy Consul General; Mr Lyu Ruihao, Consul; Mrs Yu Xiaoli, Consul; Mr Zhang Lei; Mr Xu Haohang, Consul; Mr Liu Tianzhuang, Vice Consul and Mrs Chen Xiaoxu who met with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Clipper Race Co-Founder and Chairman; Laura Ayres, Head of Partnerships and Alex Lukic, Partnerships Account Manager.

After a formal meeting with Sir Robin at Fremantle Sailing Club, which has been hosting the Clipper Race fleet between Leg 3 and Leg 4, the delegation had the opportunity to talk with Clipper Race Skippers and Ambassador Crew Members who have been selected to represent their respective cities in a leg of the Clipper Race. They talked about the conditions faced, the teams' achievements and the ways in which the Clipper Race has changed their lives.

“The Ambassador Crew are so optimistic, full of energy, so friendly - I think they represent the face of modern China which I, as the Consul General of China, feel very proud of.” adds Madam Dong Zhihua. The Skippers and Ambassador Crew then took the chance to show the group around their Clipper 70 racing yachts.

The fourth of eight legs that forms the global Clipper Race route gets underway this weekend on Sunday 22 December from Fremantle to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. Wishing you were spending Christmas racing to the paradise? You, too, could be taking on the challenge of a lifetime, no previous sailing experience required. Hit the button below to find out more.