Clipper Race Hosts Royal Navy

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and members of the Clipper Race Team have been busy from preparing for Race Start in Liverpool but took time out to touch base with Portsmouth neighbours – the Royal Navy.

Sir Robin and the team toured the Royal Type 23 Navy Frigate HMS St Albans. The ship is currently in one of the ten dry docks at the Portsmouth Naval Base, undergoing essential repair works following her nine-month deployment.

This was a special occasion for Sir Robin, who is an honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve and affiliated with the Frigate. Before becoming the first person to circumnavigate the world non-stop and unassisted under sail, Sir Robin served in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve between 1957 and 1965.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and members of the Clipper Race Team with HMS St Albans.

The Clipper Race repaid the favour on Sunday, taking seven HMS St Albans officers for a sail on one of the 68 foot ocean racing yachts that circumnavigated the globe in four editions of the Clipper Race, from 2005 to 2012.

With moderate conditions in the Solent, the boat was under full sail in the journey to Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, and back.

“It was a great opportunity for officers from HMS St Albans to have the chance to experience a different day out on the water,” says Sir Robin.

“I was very impressed with how quickly they followed direction and picked up core sailing skills and as a result, we had a fantastic sail on the Solent.

“The Royal Navy is an important part of both the historic and present day Portsmouth Harbour, which is also the home of the Clipper Race Fleet between circumnavigations. I look forward to many more occasions that will strengthen the already strong bond between the Clipper Race and Royal Navy.”

Race Start in Liverpool may just over a month away, but there is still time to secure a place on the Clipper 2017-18 Race. Spaces are limited so if you think you have what it takes to race across the world’s oceans, then apply here.

We’re supporting every child in danger with race Charity Partner Unicef UK. To make a donation and help us beat our fundraising target of £400,000, click here.