RACE START AT GUNWHARF QUAYS DAY 4: WRAP ON THE DAY’S ACTION

Another sunshine filled day down at Gunwharf Quays as the fourth day of the Clipper Race Start celebrations draws to a close.

Image: Race Supporters at Gunwharf Quays

It was a wrap on the naming ceremonies as Qingdao and Zhuhai were given their official blessing, leaving the whole fleet ready to race!

Image: Zhuhai naming ceremony

VIP visitors, amazing performances from Chinese dancers, and nibbles and fizz left crews buzzing for the voyage ahead, before family and friends were welcomed on board to tour the yachts their loved ones will be calling home from tomorrow.

Image: Qingdao naming ceremony

Ambassadors from UNICEF visited their team yacht to wish the crew a fond farewell, and show them some of the lifesaving kits that donations help the charity to buy.

Skippers, AQP’s and Race Crew attended their all-important briefing sessions, learning more about tomorrow’s departure, the race route they will follow and how point scoring will work along the route.

Image: Race Crew gather for the briefing

The partner forum, held at the Aspex Gallery, was an opportunity for the partners of this edition to come together and exchange ideas, learn from each other on utilising activations and network before the Race Starts.

MP for Portsmouth South Stephen Morgan came down to show his support, and was given a tour of the yachts by President of Clipper Ventures Sir Robin Knox-Johnson.

Image: Southsea MP Stephen Morgan gets an insight into life on board

Join us tomorrow for all the action as we celebrate the fleet departure. More information on the days programme can be found here.