Race to start from Southampton

It was announced recently on the official Clipper website that the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race will start from the historic maritime city of Southampton on the south coast of England. The start gun goes off on Sunday 31 July 2011.It will be an atmospheric and colourful affair as we bid farewell to family and friends at the shore-based ceremony before a stunning parade of sail as we head to the start line.

It is the first time since 2004 that a round the world yacht race has started from the iconic sailing grounds of the Solent and promises to provide a breath taking spectacle for spectators both on the water and watching from the shore.

Southampton will be the fifth UK venue to host the race start. The Clipper Race celebrates its 15th anniversary this year; it first set off from Plymouth in 1996, 2 editions later the fleet started from Portsmouth before moving to Liverpool for the subsequent 3 races and then to the Humber on the UK’s north east coast.

This will be the 8th edition of this unique event which they say is ‘raced by people like you’. I will be one of more than 500 people from all walks of life taking part, representing more than 40 nationalities.

The race was created by British sailing legend, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world. Since the first edition in 1996 almost 3,000 people have taken advantage of the opportunity to race across oceans in a challenge unlike any other.

The countdown is on now ... can't wait!!