US city Seattle to debut as Clipper Race Team Sponsor

Visit Seattle will be a first-time Team Sponsor in the Clipper 2015-16 Race, using the event’s platform to promote itself as a tourist and business destination.

The ‘Emerald City’, Seattle, Washington, will be represented by its yacht, Visit Seattle, which will be led by Race Skipper Huw Fernie.

“The race gives us a great opportunity to take the iconic image of our skyline across the globe and helps to position our city as an exciting, international destination,” said Tom Norwalk, President & CEO of Visit Seattle.

“We are excited to brand a boat with the colours of the Emerald City and our iconic skyline to help further this growth,” added Norwalk.

Seattle will also be a Host Port, welcoming crew at the end of the Mighty Pacific Leg 6 from Qingdao, China, in April 2016.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman and Founder of the Clipper Race, said: “Seattle is city of innovation and home to industry leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon.com and Boeing.”

“We look forward to the race’s global marketing platform helping leverage the city’s goals to publicise itself as a destination, enhance employment opportunities and the economic prosperity of the region.”

The Visit Seattle team will be skippered by British Skipper Huw Fernie, 31, from Cornwall. He said: "I am proud to be representing a fast-growing destination home to some of the world's best-known brands. As we go round the world, my team and I will be spreading the message about Seattle, its visitor attractions and expanding industry.”

"The opportunity to sail into and explore our home port after crossing the mighty Pacific Ocean will be a highlight of this circumnavigation. With so many recent success stories from Seattle’s business sector, I am hoping my team can recreate this winning form on the water too."

For more information on Seattle, see seattle.org.