Sanya Race Village is Open!

The Clipper Race Village at the Sanya Serenity Marina is officially open, adding yet another level of excitement to what has already been an action-packed stopover.

From early morning, visitors began streaming through the impressive archway at the village entrance and were greeted by a huge display introducing the Clipper Race teams, Skippers and Sanya Ambassadors.

From there, it was a choice between trying out the Lego building centre, testing their sailing skills with model yacht races, showing their fearless side with the Zorb Ball game area, or taking part in cosplay.

The food stalls provide a welcome area to relax in and indulge in some Chinese favourites, whilst in the Clipper Race Dome, people had the chance to experience what life is like on board Sanya Serenity Coast through the power of virtual reality goggles, as well as testing their skills at the Marlow Rope Knot Tying Station.

Kimberley Skillett, a British Management Consultant and crew member on Sanya Serenity Coast says: “Sanya has really gone all out to welcome us and the Race Village looks amazing. I’m really looking forward to exploring and trying out some of the activities.”

PSP Logistics round the world crew member Fiona Robertson, a Nurse from London, UK, agrees, adding: “It’s a great way for the public to come down and get involved in the stopover. And the food stalls look incredible!”

On Monday before the Race 7 Prize Giving, the Clipper Race Village will also play host to the talented performers from Cirque du Soleil show ‘Toruk’, a performance inspired by James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’.

Visitors to the Sanya Serenity Marina will also be able to climb aboard one of the Clipper 70s on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 February and Saturday 2 March. The Open Boats are a great opportunity to explore a 70-foot stripped out ocean racing yacht, both above and below deck, as well as speak to crew about what it's really like to race around the globe.

The Clipper Race Village will be open right until the start of Race 8 on Sunday 4 March, when all twelve teams will take to the stage to bid Sanya one final farewell before embarking on the 1,700 nautical mile sprint to Qingdao in northern China.

For more information about the Sanya Stopover, please see the Host Port page on the Clipper Race website.