Start dates revealed for Legs 1 - 4

As we edge ever closer to the start of the Clipper 2015-16 Race, we can now reveal the start dates and projected crew changeover days in the host ports, from the UK Race Start on 30 August, to the Leg 4 finish in The Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia between 12-13 January 2016.

For circumnavigators planning a family Christmas in Sydney, or ‘leggers’, wanting loved ones to greet them on their arrival in Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town, flights can be booked and arrangements made using these projected time frames as a guide. But please remember that ocean racing yachts have destinations, not arrival times.

We aim to give crew around seven days in port to allow some personal time alongside other duties. This also allows time for any major maintenance to be carried out and the crew changeover to take place. However, the race is at the mercy of prevailing weather conditions so, for your own peace of mind, we recommend booking flexible flights through our official travel partner, the marine travel company.

The following table outlines the estimated crew changeover dates and arrival days into each port for the first half of the Clipper 2015-16 Race. This will allow crew and their families to make their travel plans right through to the New Year. Once all ports are confirmed for the second half of the race, dates will be finalised for Legs 5 to 8.

Time and tide waits for no man, so if you are thinking of joining us on the Clipper 2015-16 Race, or for crew who would like to add a leg or two, you should act quickly. Legs 1, 7 and 8 have already sold out of leg places and we have a waiting list, but there are still spaces available on the remaining legs, together with a limited number of full round-the-world berths for anyone considering the ultimate circumnavigation.

So if you can see yourself enjoying everything from exhilarating surf to stormy weather, swooping albatrosses and whales swimming alongside your Clipper 70, then the South Atlantic crossing in Leg 2 is the one for you. A warm South African welcome awaits in Cape Town, where we’ll be docking at the Victoria and Alfred Marina, with Table Mountain as our backdrop.

Or how about the Southern Ocean sleigh ride in Leg 3? Between the Cape of Good Hope and Albany in Western Australia you’ll be racing across one of the most challenging oceans on the planet as strong winds blow across this vast expanse of ocean to see the fleet surfing down huge waves at potentially record-breaking speeds.

Few need any encouragement to sign up for Leg 4 since we announced that all crew on this leg will be racing in the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. This Boxing Day extravaganza is one of the highlights on Australia’s sporting calender and the final port in The Whitsundays, has water so clear, it has to be seen to be believed.

For those of you still considering it, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to achieve something remarkable and contact our crew recruitment team now for more information.