Unicef Revealed as Latest Clipper 2015-16 Race Team Entry

Today we can confirm that Unicef, the world’s leading children’s organisation, will have a yacht entry in the tenth edition of the world’s longest ocean race.

The distinctive blue branded boat was revealed in Gosport today and it’s the first time the Clipper Race will feature a charity team entry. Unicef is also the Official Clipper Race Charity. The cost of the team entry, including its branding, has been donated by the race organisers.

Jim Prendergast, 40, from Gosport, has been named as the skipper who will lead the Unicef team.

He says: “My crew and I are extremely honoured to be racing around the world on the Unicef yacht. We hope that people everywhere will get behind us and help the Unicef team and the whole Clipper Race fleet to make a positive difference to children in danger all over the world.

"Unicef operates in 190 countries around the world, including every country on the Clipper Race route, and ensures more of the world’s children are fed, vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation.

Becks Bohling, Head of Public Fundraising at Unicef UK, says: “We are thrilled that the Clipper Race is supporting a Unicef yacht entry in the 2015-16 Race. Clipper Race crew members are taking on one of the greatest challenges on earth and we hope that people support their incredible efforts and their fundraising activities throughout the race. With the help of the crew and sponsors, Unicef can make sure that more children grow up happy, healthy and strong."

As the fleet makes its way around the world, crew members and Clipper Race supporters will be encouraged to fundraise for Unicef’s work for children.

For more information about the Clipper Race and Unicef partnership, click here.

Click here to view our video of the Unicef team announcement.