Electric atmosphere as Albert Dock welcomes the Clipper Race fleet ahead of Race Start

Liverpool opened its arms to the Clipper Race, with rapturous applause and support welcoming the twelve-strong fleet of Clipper 70s as they paraded down the Mersey and moored up in the Historic Albert Dock in preparation for Race Start this Sunday 20 August.

The rain held off for the crowds of supporters, spectators and crew as they welcomed the arrival of the Skippers and crew following their five-day delivery from the south coast. It was a good test for crew on board with them seeing everything from heavy weather to becalmed seas, with even a few dolphins and sunsets to prepare them for the Atlantic Trade Winds Leg from Liverpool to Punta del Este.

Liverpool local, Paul Almond, a retired Geologist now living in Switzerland said: “The delivery was superb. It was quite tough, we had some testing conditions but it was great additional training. Born in Liverpool, just up the road, I love the people here and it was wonderful to see all the crowds and hear all the cheering. I can’t wait to see my mum and family who still live here.”

David Greer, 65 from Norfolk, who will be completing a lifelong dream by sailing around the world on board PSP Logistics, said: “From the moment of coming into Liverpool, seeing the iconic Royal Liver Building, you can see the two-great cathedrals, loads of people on the quayside, it was quite stirring. With people cheering when we were coming in, it was an emotional moment.

“Everyone is really excited to be in Liverpool, really pleased to have successfully done the delivery and of course equally excited for Race Start on Sunday to get going towards Punta del Este and Uruguay.”

The Clipper Race is a truly unique challenge, raced by non-professional sailors from all over the world and from all walks of life. Adrian Hemmes, a 22-year-old student from Germany, will be the youngest circumnavigator taking on the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

On his arrival into Albert Dock on board HotelPlanner.com he commented: “It’s pretty exciting, being the youngest is cool.

“The delivery was fun, really good fun, but we also used the low winds to get some extra prep done. It was hard work but now, arriving into Liverpool, it was definitely worth it. I’m really amazed by the scenery here; the docks look really cool and was great to see so many people.”

Looking ahead to Race Start on Sunday, he added: “I’m excited for sure, it’s going to be a big challenge but I am ready to face it.”

The Clipper Race Village is now open, with activities taking place throughout the week leading up to Race Start on Sunday 20 August. The public and supporters can meet the teams during open boat tours and talk to past crew in the Clipper Race Dome, about their experiences of the race and what it takes to be an ocean racer.

For more information about the Clipper Race Village at Albert Dock and Race Start, please visit the Key Dates section of the Clipper Race website.The Clipper 2017-18 Race teams will take to the stage in the Collonades section of Albert Dock at 0800 on Sunday, ahead of slipping their lines and parading out onto the Mersey. The race itself will start at 1230, in full view of the waterfront, as the fleet races over 6,000 nautical miles to Punta del Este, Uruguay for the first of the eight legs of this 40,000 nautical mile challenge.

Racing from Liverpool and returning back here on the July 28, 2018, Hannah Thompson, an adventure seeker from London is taking on Leg 1 to Punta del Este, as well as the Atlantic Homecoming Leg 8, which will start in New York, USA, and finish here in Liverpool via Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

She also just completed the delivery to Liverpool, and says: “It’s amazing though slightly weird as you are out in the middle of nowhere for a week and then suddenly you arrive to this amazing thriving metropolis. It’s been a great buzz and now really looking forward to Sunday. We are really ready and eager to get going.”

Want to be a part of it all? There are still limited opportunities to take part in the Asia Pacific Leg 5 and Mighty Pacific Leg 6, and applications are also open for the Clipper 2019-20 Race. If you think you have what it takes to race across the world’s oceans, visit the Clipper Race website to apply. Or you can enquire about attending one of the Crew Presentations taking part at the Clipper Race Village in the week leading up to Race Start in Liverpool.