Crew arrive in Subic Bay ready for Race Restart

Almost 90 new and returning crew members from 21 countries across the globe stepped on board their team yachts today for the first time in two years, greeted by their Skipper and First Mate.

The Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race is set to resume in three week’s time. The race, which enables people from diverse walks of life to race across the world’s oceans, was put on hold in March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. After sailing halfway around the world, the yachts have remained in the Subic Bay Yacht Club, in the Philippines. However on 20 March, the fleet will depart Subic Bay for the start of the Mighty Pacific Leg (Leg 6) which races to Seattle.

Race Manager, Grace Kitching said: “It’s amazing to see both familiar and new faces here in Subic Bay today, ready for the restart of the 2019-20 edition which is just a few weeks away. Whilst there have been challenges to overcome, everyone is really excited to be here, and there is a great atmosphere down in the marina.

“The Maintenance Team, Skippers and AQPs have been working hard over the last few weeks to get the yachts into racing shape. We are almost ready to get training underway and can’t wait to welcome our remaining Race Crew over the next week. I’d again like to thank the Philippines Government at both a national level, and in Subic Bay itself for its continued support in making the restart possible. The teams at the IATF, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority have been critical in assisting with delivering the safe and successful restart to our event.”

In the lead up to Race Restart, the crew will undergo a final intensive week of training, as well as assisting their Skipper and Mate with final yacht prep. The fleet will sail from Subic Bay Yacht Club up to the start line in the Luzon Strait, and following some further offshore training, the fleet will start racing on 24th March towards Seattle.

A senior director in the IT industry, Tracy Corkett, returning Race Crew on board Zhuhai, also added: “two years on, I’m back on board Zhuhai! I’m super excited to be back in Subic Bay, I’ve just met my new Skipper and I’m just so happy to be back on my home from home with a new team!”

The Clipper Race is working closely with the Philippines authorities at both a national and local level to ensure a safe and smooth event. Preventative Covid-19 controls, such as regular testing and quarantine programmes, are in place to mitigate risk for crew, staff and the local community, and to ensure a successful and safe restart of the race and remainder of the circumnavigation.