Clipper race to welcome US entry on board VISITORS from the US will be heading to the city for the start of next year’s Clipper race. California will be fielding a yacht in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2009-10, which starts and finishes in Hull. The state will also host a stopover as the fleet makes its way back from China in April 2010. Yorkshire Forward, sponsor of the Hull and Humber yacht, is hoping the Californian entry – along with eight other international yachts – will draw high-profile visitors to the region. Neil Jenkinson, the agency’s head of culture and major events, said: “It is great that California is joining the race. “They will be made very welcome. We aim to attract senior officials and businesses from competing international cities and regions to join us. We will also be promoting the region at key ports of call.”
The Californian entry has received support from the state governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a letter to the race organisers, he wrote: “California is honoured to be a stop on this voyage and especially to have one of the participating yachts named after our state.” Chairman and founder of the Clipper Race Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “We are delighted the yacht California has the backing of Governor Schwarzenegger and I am sure this campaign will ignite enthusiasm, not just in the state, but “This project is not just for sailors, it is about people who want Race organisers Clipper Ventures will be confirming the sponsors of the remaining yachts over the coming weeks and months. The 2007-08 race included entries from New York, Durban, Western Australia, Glasgow and Liverpool. Anyone interested in applying to become a crew member |
