Clipper Race heading to Fremantle, WA

The Clipper Round the World Yacht race and its intrepid crew members are set to arrive in Fremantle from 9 December following an epic race from Cape Town, South Africa, and crossing the infamous Roaring Forties.

Race 4: Marlow Roaring Forties Challenge has seen teams endure the wrath of Mother Nature in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet: facing winds of 70+knots, huge waves, freezing temperatures and a true sense of remoteness as they sailed thousands of miles from land.

Image: Clipper Race Crew on Race 4

Next week over 200 crew members will be arriving on Fremantle’s shores to relax in the WA sunshine after a thrilling race. Among the crew are 12 Australians, who will be sailing home after crossing one of the most challenging stretches of ocean in the world and spending more than 20 days at sea.

Clipper Race crew, staff and supporters can expect a vibrant stay in Fremantle when they arrive. Freo is famed for its sun, surf and sundowners in one of the town’s many bars and restaurants. Foodies will love Freo with its famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ offering up a host of bars, coffee shops and brunch spots, plus, WA’s balmy climate and endless sunshine makes for a culture and lifestyle very much centered on being outdoors. Visitors will have no shortage of things to do in the sunshine, from swimming at one of the idyllic beaches or trying a host of watersports or heading over to the iconic Rottnest Island to take in the view and see one of the adorable quokkas.

Image: Leighton Beach, Fremantle

Once crew arrive in port, the Fremantle Sailing Club and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be hosting a diverse programme of events for the general public to enjoy during the stopover:

9-13 December- Welcome the Clipper Race fleet to Fremantle

Witness the eleven-strong matched Clipper Race fleet and the extraordinary crews arrive at Fremantle Sailing Club after racing 4,700 nautical miles from Cape Town.

15 December 1700-1800: Discovery talk: Myths and Madness

Ever wondered what it’s like to take on a global sailing race, enduring the toughest ocean conditions with crew from around the world? Hear from Clipper Deputy Race Director Dale Smyth, First Mate Maisie Bristow, and courageous Race Crew who will share their stories from sailing in some of nature’s toughest environments.

Location: Fremantle Sailing Club

Entry: Free

16-17 December 1000-1800- Tour a Clipper 70 racing yacht

Bring your family down to Fremantle Sailing Club and step on board a Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht that is circumnavigating the world. Take an above and below deck tour with the Race Crew that call these boats home whilst crossing the world’s oceans.

17 December 0900-1230- Beach clean and cricket match

Join the Clipper Race, alongside local community groups Sea & Clean Regattas and Tangaroa Blue, in cleaning up South Beach in Fremantle. The beach clean will be followed by a friendly cricket match with a local All Abilities team, and a post-match sausage sizzle!

19 December from 1200- Race Start- Race 5: STA-LOK Endurance Test

Watch the official start of Race 5 of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which will see the fleet race 2,510 nautical miles to Newcastle, NSW.

1200-1230- Slipping Lines Ceremony and fleet departure from Fremantle Sailing Club

1300-1330- Parade of Sail

1500- Official Race Start of Race 5: STA-LOK Endurance Test

Follow the Clipper Race Fleet prior to its arrival on the Race Viewer and check out the What’s On page on the website here for details about the stopover.