Clipper Race fleet and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston officially entered in Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2015

The Clipper Race fleet is officially entered in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race (RSHYR) which starts on December 26. The fleet will bring colour to the Australian offshore classic with amateur sailors from 26 different nationalities.

And legendary British sailor and Clipper Race Founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (76), the first man to sail solo, nonstop round the world in 1968/9, will also race on one of two Clipper 68 Events yachts taking part.

The 14-strong fleet will compete for the second time as part of its circumnavigation, and will once again have its own Clipper Race class.

Sir Robin said: “There is a real buzz amongst our Clipper Race crew about racing with the world’s best sailors again in one of the most famous offshore races. The crew will have sailed half way round the world in order to participate, and will be excited to pit themselves against the best competitors in the sport.

“The event was one of the highlights of the entire circumnavigation when we first competed in 2013, and we are very excited to be coming back to compete again.”

The two Sydney-based Clipper 68s are entered in the RSHYR. Click here to join Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and past crew racing against the Clipper 70s and the rest of the RSHYR fleet.

Former Clipper Race crew and non-crew are invited to take part.

Amongst the Clipper Race competitors will be Sydney Skipper Wendy Tuck, the first Australian female Skipper in the history of the race, who is leading the Da Nang – Viet Nam entry. It will be her ninth RSHYR. GREAT Britain Skipper Peter Thornton will compete in his third RSHYR and Huw Fernie will compete in his second RSHYR.

And 50 Australian amateur crew are competing in the circumnavigation from across various states.

On announcing the fleet is officially entered, CYCA Commodore, John Cameron added:

“This year the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is shaping up to be spectacular - our 71st race will be an event to watch - from the super maxis vying for the fastest time to the bulk of the fleet battling it out for the prized Tattersall’s Cup, awarded to the overall winner.

“Added to the mix we have, for the second time, the Clipper Race yachts. They will bring an additional 14 boats to our race, with the added character that only Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and his yachts and crews can add as part of their round the world race, and we look forward to welcoming them back,” he ended.

The fleet will arrive in Sydney from Albany, Western Australia, before racing in the 628 nautical mile classic, which will form Race 5 of the 14 race global Clipper 2015-16 Race series.

Click here to watch a video of the fleet competing in the RSHYR in 2013.