Mayor Boris Johnson says London proud to host Clipper Race

Following yesterday’s announcement of plans for a spectacular parade on the Thames from St Katharine Docks at Tower Bridge for the start of the Clipper 2015-16 Race on 30 August, Mayor of London Boris Johnson says he is proud that the capital is to host the race for the second consecutive time.

The London Mayor stated: “The Clipper Race fleet provides a spectacular sight on the Thames as hundreds of sailors set off on this amazing feat of human endurance. London is proud to host the race village at the historic St Katharine Docks in east London and the city welcomes the thousands of spectators who are expected to watch the launch and return of the race.”

The Clipper Race generates a multi-million pound economic impact for its host ports and London benefits even further from the high profile start and finish with a race village at St Katharine Docks. Over a hundred thousand visitors were attracted during the Clipper 2013-14 Race and this is expected to grow for the 2015-16 series which arrives in London on Friday 21 August and will be hosted at St Katharine Docks until 30 August. The fleet returns 11 months later after its record breaking 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation.

Mayor Johnson added: “This unique event will provide a great showcase for London and highlights its role as a great host for major sporting events. The first Leg of the Clipper Race is to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and will reinforce our own Olympic legacy in the process. I look forward to welcoming all the yachts back safely at the end of the race in July 2016.”

St Katharine Docks is the Official Start and Finish Host Port for the Clipper 2015-16 Race; It is central London’s only marina.