Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Extends Fundraising Partnership with Unicef

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has announced it will be extending its fundraising partnership with Unicef UK for a further two editions (2019-20 and 2021-22).

Since becoming the Clipper Race Charity Partner ahead of the 2015-16 edition, more than half a million pounds has been raised by crew members and Clipper Race supporters to aid Unicef’s vital work in helping to protect and save the lives of children across the globe.

Clipper Race CEO, William Ward OBE, said: “It is fantastic news that Unicef has chosen to extend its relationship with the race for a further two editions following the successful fundraising that has been carried out so far. Everyone involved with the Clipper Race recognises the important work that Unicef does around the world in promoting child rights and wellbeing. The crew will navigate the world’s oceans and face their own challenges, whilst making a difference to children around the world facing significant challenges every day.”

IMAGE: William Ward OBE signs the Unicef 'Spinnaker of Support' at Race Start in Liverpool (August 2017).

Unicef operates in 190 countries round the world, including every country on the Clipper Race route, and the crew members have an opportunity to interact with Unicef-supported projects at various stopovers during the eleven-month ocean, 40,000 nautical mile voyage.

Mike Penrose, Executive Director of Unicef UK, said: “The Clipper Race sees everyday people take on one of the greatest challenges on earth, testing their wits, skills and courage in an endurance race across the toughest oceans. At the same time, children around the world are experiencing even more dangerous challenges – they’re facing disease, hunger and the chaos of war and disaster.

“Partnering with the Clipper Race has helped us to promote awareness of the crucial work that we are doing to protect some of the most vulnerable children and we look forward to extending this partnership, which is already making a big difference to the lives of young people around the world.”

More than £215,000 has already been raised out of the £400,000 fundraising target for the current edition of the Clipper 2017-18 Race, which is approaching its halfway point; the eleven identically matched ocean racing yachts are currently in Australia having set out from Liverpool, UK, in August 2017.

To show your support and to donate to Unicef, please click on our JustGiving page.

Below is a video of the recent Clipper Race crew visit to the Isibindi Safe Park during the Cape Town stopover in October 2017.