Race Start at Gunwharf Quays Day 3: wrap on the day’s action

The sun returned for day three of the Clipper Race Start celebrations – and it was a day filled with plenty more excitement, World Street Food, and on the water activity in the marina as the countdown to Race Start draws in, with just a couple of days to go until the fleet departs for the global circumnavigation.

Taking their moment in the sun today were four teams who celebrated their official naming:

First up, Clipper Ventures Founder and President Sir Robin Knox-Johnson welcomed Dare To Lead to the Race Dome where they were regaled of his personal tales of circumnavigating the globe and left with some words of wisdom for the journey ahead. The founder of Dare To Lead, Dirk Van Daele sent the team a message of support, before crew headed down to the yacht for the blessing and obligatory fizz over the bow for luck.

Image: Dare To Lead crew receive a message from Sir Robin, and the Race Partner

The bold (and loud!) Washington, DC crew met with Team Partner Events DC’s Ash Rix, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Kaitlyn Kinsey Marketing Director, and Jacklyn Mathew, Director of Special Events who came armed with gifts for the team to take around the world and spreading the message to Delve Deeper into DC.

Image: The Washington DC team celebrates its naming ceremony

Returning for a second edition and known for bringing the energy, Yacht Club Punta del Este celebrated its naming ceremony with members of the Yacht Club Punta del Este and the Uruguayan Sailing Federation on board to mark the occasion. Skipper Nano Antia and AQP Angus Whitehead officially blessed the yacht and continued the party with drinks and empanadas on board in the sun.

Image: Punta del Este naming ceremony

Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam also enjoyed its official naming, with a feast of Vietnamese food and beer courtesy of the Race Partner, that will welcome the team into the iconic Ha Long Bay in 2024.

Image: Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam team naming ceremony

Now under sunny skies, hundreds of people had the opportunity to step on board an ocean racing yacht and meet some of the intrepid crew racing around the globe.

Image: Visitors had the chance to meet Race Crew and see what life is like on board a Clipper 70

Taking to the stage was a new wave of artists such as Crystal Tides and Harvey Jay Dodgson, who performed stellar sets as the crowd enjoyed the setting sun and street food on offer.