SINGAPORE : Ten yachts have set sailed from Singapore for their round the world race.

After a nine-day stopover in Singapore, the yachts were on Sunday given a rousing and colourful start to Race 6 at the Marina at Keppel Bay.

The teams were given a grand and auspicious lion dance farewell, complete with Chinese scrolls wishing them smooth sailing and a bright future ahead.

Among the clippers is Uniquely Singapore owned by Keppel Corporation.

The boats are leaving the relative calm waters of Singapore and heading out to open sea.

Their next destination is Qingdao in China, a journey that will cover about 4,184 kilometres.

The first boat is expected to reach Qingdao sometime on February 15th.

Qingdao is also the venue of sailing events for the Beijing Olympic Games. - CNA/ch