This year (2023) Portsmouth will be the start line for the Clipper Race round the world.
I was luckily invited on board to meet some of the team taking on the challenge and given the opportunity to physically get involved.
You can also get the chance to book a free tour of the Clipper yachts that are participating in the race as well as take a motor sail tour round Portsmouth Harbour (for the small fee of £5 per person which is then donated to Unicef) at the Race Village at Gunwharf Quays from 30th August to the 1st September.
Our trip around the Solent was lead by Skipper Hannah Brewis, who at just 26 years old has been sailing from a young age and will be leading her team alongside Cameron McCracken who at just 24 years old has covered over 36,000 nautical miles and sailed as a member of the Race Crew for two Clipper races before training and qualifying as an AQP.
In conversations with the crew, I discovered that they all come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences with ages of the Race Crews ranging from 22 to 76.
It was also fascinating to learn about all the technical elements of the boat from the deck to below deck and some of the challenges the crew face on an hour by hour basis.
Some of this information can be discovered on their yacht tours and through the speaking events at Gunwharf Quays from the 30th August.
Book your Clipper 70 Ocean Racing Yacht Tour here for FREE
(30th August-1st September 11am-7pm)
Book your Clipper 68 Motor Tour in Portsmouth Harbour here for £5
(30th August-1st September, various 45 minute intervals)
Clipper Race Discovery Talks
(30th August - 3rd September)
World Street Food
(31st August - 3rd September 10am-7pm)
Live Music
Presenting a New Wave
(31st August - 1st September 12pm-7pm)
Sounds of The World
(2nd September 12pm-7pm and 3rd September 10am-5pm)
Race Start 3rd October
Slipping Lines Ceremony 1.30pm-2pm
Fleet departs the Gunwharf Marina and heads to the Race Start.
Parade of Sail 2.30pm-3.04pm
See the fleet line up together in formation
2.40pm - Passes Gunwharf Quays
2.43pm - Passes Round Tower
2.56pm - Passes Southsea Castle
4pm Race Start at Southsea Castle
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