On 12 October 2006 the Clipper Race celebrated the tenth anniversary of the start of the
first race.
It was started by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man ever to sail solo non-stop around the
world,
36 years ago around the world in 312 days with no contact for eight months!
Sir Robin wanted everyone regardless of their background or level of sailing knowledge, to be
able
to experience the highs and lows and breathtaking exhilaration of ocean racing.
With the help of a small and capable team, the first fleet of eight 60-foot yachts commissioned
and
the crew recruited, the first Clipper Race set off in 1996.
Since then, much has changed - the Dubois-designed Clipper 68s are naturally a quantum
leap
ahead
of the Clipper 60s – but what has not changed is that the race still remains very
true to its fundamental principle in that that it is a race for those who take part in it. Ordinary
people doing something truly extraordinary.
16 September 2007 will see the flag-off of the sixth Clipper Race at Liverpool.
