Yacht crew gears up for world challenge

Welcome to Yorkshire is sponsoring the only English entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a biennial competition due to set sail from Southampton on July 31.

A third of the crew on Welcome to Yorkshire are from the county, many deciding to take part after seeing the Yorkshire Forward-sponsored boat Hull & Humber perform admirably during the last two races.

In total, 500 people representing more than 40 nationalities – 40 per cent of whom have never sailed before – will take part.

Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the globe, said: “I am very happy to say, Welcome to Yorkshire for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

“This is the third race in which the county has been represented and it has always been a strong contender, both in the race and in ports of call where Welcome to Yorkshire has already shown itself to be an organisation that comes up with inspiring and effective ways to promote tourism and giving a warm Yorkshire welcome around the world.”

After slipping their moorings the 10 yachts will head out into Southampton water for a parade of sail towards the start line at the historic Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, where the starting gun for the 40,000-mile race will be fired at 4.30pm.