Sir Ben Ainslie message to Clipper Race Crew

Whilst Sir Robin Knox-Johnston prepares to send off the Clipper Race tomorrow, his friend and compatriot Sir Ben Ainslie is racing in the second series of the America’s Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden this weekend.

Following his success during the first series in Portsmouth, the Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) team tops the America’s Cup World Series leaderboard. Sir Robin took the chance to send his best wishes to Sir Ben, which were returned for the Clipper Race crew as they prepare to start their own momentous challenge.

Sir Robin said to Sir Ben: “Good luck this weekend. Show them that Portsmouth was not just luck and being well practised,” to which Sir Ben replied swiftly from Gothenburg: “To all the teams about to start the tenth Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Very best of luck to all of you taking part in this very special test of sailing skill and teamwork. Enjoy the opportunity in front of you and make it count.”

Clipper Race crew who complete their training in the UK all sail in the Solent, the same waters where the America’s Cup first started back in 1851. Sir Ben’s BAR HQ is based in Portsmouth Harbour within sight, directly across the water from the Clipper Race’s Gosport HQ.

When America’s Cup racing was taking place last month, Clipper Race crew were out the waters during their own training and many crew spotted the AC45 catamarans racing around in practice.

Inspired by professional sailors such as Sir Robin and Sir Ben, the Clipper Race remains the only event in the world which trains amateur crew to circumnavigate the world in the world’s longest ocean race.

The tenth edition Clipper Round the World Yacht Race sets sail in its opening leg to Rio de Janeiro tomorrow, Sunday 30 August, and will return eleven months later on July 30 2015.

Click here to get the latest updates for the America's Cup or follow @LandRoverBAR for Sir Ben's progress as he looks to move another step closer in his goal to bring the cup home to Portsmouth.

Click here to watch the Clipper Race departure live tomorrow from 13:00 BST

The stream of the departure ceremony will run from 1300 until 1615 BST (1200-1515 UTC).

1300-1400 BST (1200-1300 BST) Opening ceremony

1400-1415 BST (1300-1315 UTC) Fleet blessing

1415-1500 BST (1315-1400 UTC) Fleet slip lines

1530-1615 BST (1430-1515 UTC) Tower Bridge opens for fleet to enter upper pool

1600 BST (1500 UTC) Tower Bridge reopens for fleet to start parade down Thames