Yorkshire captain to cast off for yacht race around the world

A Yorkshireman is among a dozen preparing to cast off on an 11-month adventure around the world for the 2017 Clipper Race.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Aug 2017, 15:48 BST
Updated 11th Sep 2017, 12:47 BST
The naming ceremony for GREAT Britain at Albert Docks, Liverpool, ahead of this Sundays start of the Clipper Race. Picture: Tim Goode/PA WireThe naming ceremony for GREAT Britain at Albert Docks, Liverpool, ahead of this Sundays start of the Clipper Race. Picture: Tim Goode/PA Wire
The naming ceremony for GREAT Britain at Albert Docks, Liverpool, ahead of this Sundays start of the Clipper Race. Picture: Tim Goode/PA Wire

The race, which starts tomorrow, has pitted 12 teams of sailors against one another in pursuit of glory on 70ft ocean yachts since 1996.

Former RAF weapons technician Roy Taylor, from land-locked Barnsley, was chosen as one of the 12 lucky skippers to take part in the competition back in March.

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The 47-year-old will lead a team of 56 men and women for the race.

Crews will cast off in their yachts from Liverpool at 12.30pm on Sunday.

The race launch will also feature opening and departure ceremonies in the morning.

The Clipper Race was founded by William Ward and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.

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It gives amateur sailors the chance to become open racers in a competitive environment and organisers say around 40 per cent of crew are novices who have never sailed before starting training programmes ahead of their adventure.

Related topics:YorkshireRAFBarnsleyLiverpool