Liverpool confirmed for Clipper 2017-18 Race Start and Finish

It is time for the announcement that everyone has been waiting for. The historic maritime city of Liverpool is officially confirmed today as the Start and Finish partner of the Clipper 2017-18 Race, with Race Start day set for Sunday 20 August 2017.

A decade on from last hosting the Clipper Race, the historic Albert Dock will once again play host to the fleet, and the thousands of visitors who will bring a welcome economic boost to the city.

Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who is in Albert Dock today to reveal the news, says: “We are thrilled to announce that the Clipper Race is returning to the historic city of Liverpool. A significant site for UK maritime history, I fondly remember the warm reception we received when Liverpool last hosted the Clipper Race and am looking forward to returning to Albert Dock again this August.

“The Clipper Race has grown enormously in number of participants, yacht entries, economic influence and media value since it was last hosted by Liverpool a decade ago and we are looking forward to putting on an even bigger show in the city this time, which will not just have significant local economic impact, but will also put a maritime spotlight on the city all around the world.”

Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Ann O'Byrne and Clipper Race Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in Albert Dock

Liverpool will utilise the race's global platform to raise its international profile and maritime legacy, hoping to inspire the next generation of sailors and seafaring enthusiasts in the waterfront city. It also aims to promote its cultural heritage on the world stage to position the city as the home of large scale cultural events that are accessible for all – reinforced at the moment as Liverpool bids to be the UK host for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, says: “It is a huge coup for Liverpool to once again play host to the start and finish of this prestigious race.

“This city embraces and thrives on maritime spectacles - our affinity with the River is always much-celebrated and being the start and finish partner of the Clipper 2017-18 Race is sure to attract thousands to our world-famous waterfront."

He added: “Staging an event of this calibre puts the city once again on an international platform – and this now being our fourth time welcoming this event, it really feels like we are the home of the Clipper Race.

“The impact on the local economy as a result of this race will of course be huge, but the pride it will engender in the people of Liverpool is priceless as the international spotlight shines on the city once again. We look forward to welcoming the fleet, its crew and supporters.”

Liverpool has not only made a unique contribution to world commerce and culture, it has one of the world’s great waterfronts, with Albert Dock part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city. Aside from Liverpool, the only other cities in the world that have arrival ports in the heart of the city are Sydney, New York, and Shanghai.

Sue Grindrod, chief executive, Albert Dock Liverpool, says: “The Clipper 2017-18 Race Start is going to be yet another spectacular event at Albert Dock this summer for our visitors.

“As one of the world’s most important maritime cities, it is a thrill to welcome back the race to the waterfront for a fourth time, with Liverpool yet again on the world stage, and Albert Dock firmly at the heart of the action. The yachtsmen and women are guaranteed a warm Liverpool welcome in August before they embark on their intrepid adventure.”

The Clipper 2017-18 Race will mark the fourth-time Liverpool has hosted the Clipper Race in its eleven editions, making the city the event’s most frequented start and finish port ever. Liverpool previously hosted the start and finish for the 2002-03, 2005-06 and 2007-08 race editions in the lead up to it being named European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The race will return to Albert Dock in Summer 2018 following its global route which will include stopovers in South America (port TBC), Cape Town, Western Australia (port TBC), Sydney, Hobart, East Coast Australia (port TBC) Sanya and Qingdao – China, Seattle – USA, Panama, New York, and Derry Londonderry – Northern Ireland.

You can join in the festivities and welcome the Clipper Race fleet when it arrives in Liverpool on Monday 14 August. Events and activities will be held throughout the week leading up to Race Start, with a full schedule of all the entertainment to be released in the coming months.

Don't miss the boat! There are a still a few final spots for crew to join the upcoming edition of the race, and we're also taking applications for the 2019-20 race edition. No previous sailing experience is required as full training is provided. Click here to find our more.