| Clipper Facts | The 35,000-mile Clipper race starts from the Albert Dock in Liverpool on September 18th 2005. Liverpool received third place in the last race which was won by the Jersey Clipper. The new Liverpool yacht was designed by Dubois Naval Architects and built by Shanghai Double Happiness Yachts in China. Ours is one of a ten-strong fleet to be raced by international teams of 17 crew and a skipper. The fleet of ten identical yachts, termed Dubois 68s, are the fastest round the world ocean racers in the non-professional field. The Liverpool '08 yacht was the first of the Dubois 68s to be unveiled and was named and launched at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. There has been 1.2 million miles of racing during the four Clipper circumnavigations to date. Fast and steady down wind, their taller masts and higher aspect ratio sail plan make them very effective up wind giving an enhanced light weather performance. |
Three nautical novices have won free places offered by Liverpool city council to race in the Clipper 05-06 Round The World Yacht Race. After a shortlist of twelve was selected from more than 200 applications, the three were eventually chosen. The lucky three winners are: Claire Daley, 24, Garston, Secondary School Teacher.
 | | Liverpool Clipper |
David Dowling, 33, Old Swan, Smoking Cessation Advisor. Peter Mulcahy, 45,听Childwall, Paramedic. The group began training in April to sail the Liverpool '08 Clipper - a newly created 68-foot yacht - promoting Liverpool as European Capital of Culture, 2008. The Liverpool '08 Clipper will be competing in a ten-strong fleet sailing around the world each with international teams of 17 crew and a skipper. The three will each sail one leg of the seven legged event which visits some of the world's most glamorous places such as South Africa, Western Australia, China and the Caribbean. The race starts on Sunday, September 18 and will be one of the highlights of the city's Capital of Culture themed year - Sea Liverpool 2005. Roger Phillips, Chair of the judging panel, said: ''The shortlist was of the highest quality and we could have easily picked an extra five to take part in the race. We chose Claire, David and Peter because we felt the race would be truly life-changing for them, that they had the most to gain from the experience and the most to offer back. They are all from different backgrounds and each represent different aspects of what is good about Liverpool people." Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, first person to sail solo around the world non-stop and founder of the Clipper Race, said: "'An around the world race is the ultimate sailing challenge. When these lucky winners return, they will have a sense of achievement which is unique to great sea adventures, which will benefit them and the city for many years to come.'' | 
