BLOOMBERG TV EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF CLIPPER 2015-16 RACE SERIES

Forget Star Wars (for now), this week the first instalment of the Clipper 2015-16 Race TV series, ‘Race of Their Lives 2’ gets its UK and European premiere broadcast on BLOOMBERG TV at 1100 GMT (1200 CET) this Saturday 19 December, repeated at the same time on Sunday 20 December. BLOOMBERG TV can be seen in the UK on Sky channel 502; Virgin Media channel 609 and Freesat channel 208

The European 'premiere' follows just a day after the show aired for the first time on FOX SPORTS 2 Australia. It’s the first of seven one hour shows with an exclusive ‘access-all-areas’ pass to the tenth edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race – each will be broadcast every six to eight weeks as the episodes are completed while the race progresses around the world

The first episode follows some of the 700 crew as they embark on their pre-race training and team selection, to the spectacular start from London, followed by the tough and challenging first race to Brazil.

The competition is fierce through a wide range of challenging conditions including the frustrations of the doldrums and their first equator crossing ceremony. The six thousand nail biting nautical miles is just an opening salvo in a rollercoaster of emotions.

In contrast GREAT Britain crew member John Charles describes the moment he broke his wrist during a mast climb. Plus there is a sensitive tribute to Andrew Ashman, the first fatality in the twenty year history of the race.

FOX SPORTS Australia CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the most unique and fiercest global challenges in sport. Not only does it include Australian competitors but also takes in an Australian leg of three races including the Sydney-Hobart.

“Race of Their Lives 2 will give viewers a taste of what it takes to compete in one of the longest and toughest ocean races on the planet and it’s fantastic that we will be the first to screen it, effectively giving it its world premiere,” Mr Delany added.

Viewers in the UK, Europe Middle-East and Africa will also be able to see it on Bloomberg TV which is currently showing season one of Race of Their Lives from the Clipper 2013-14 Race every Saturday and Sunday at mid-day GMT (1300 CET). Bloomberg TV has acquired non-exclusive global rights to screen the Clipper Race human adventure sports shows and weekly news packages.

View the trailer here: https://youtu.be/0qj5rHMredk

Meanwhile In our own homage to another galactic blockbuster being launched this week, please do not adjust your sets, as we consider how we could premiere our own film, Star Wars style.

SPAR WARS – THE FORCE 10 AWAKENS

A long time ago in an ocean far, far, away; a fearless yachtsman dared to circumnavigate the planet earth in a solo quest without pause. The battle was long and hard. But ultimately he succeeded to become a legend who inspired future generations

The force was strong and the young warrior became a red eye knight. Behold Sir RKJ guardian of the empire. He assembled an army of ocean warriors from all corners of the world to take on the ultimate challenge - the circumnavigation quest. Many tried but only the very best were successful. An army of 4000 over two decades were victorious under the stars of the universe upon the oceans of destiny.

But above the frozen plains of Antarctica the winds of time were stirring and across the Southern Ocean the Force10 awakened to challenge the fleet. Darth Taylor (Race Director) charted the great circle route to expose the fleet to the evil empire of global warming. The wind was strong and the waves were angry. But the crew were resilient and conquered the ocean. Neptune was gracious and bestowed safe passage to the New World.

- If you have recognised any striking resemblance to ‘Star Wars’ characters in the Clipper Race fleet or team please let us know via Twitter tag both #StarWars and #ClipperRace – photos also welcome.