Clipper yachts enter Round Britain and Ireland Race

Clipper media

Posted: 29  Jul. 2010

Edinburgh Inspiring Capital with some pace on

Having recently returned from their 35,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race, Clipper Ventures is pleased to announce that the two British entries, Hull & Humber and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, will be taking part in the RORC’s Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.

The race forms part of the Clipper fleet’s busy calendar of events this summer, during which time the boats have been made available for charter for team building and corporate hospitality. It is all part of Chairman of Clipper Ventures, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s dream to get people into sailing.

Starting on 23 August, the fully crewed, non-stop Round Britain and Ireland Race covers 1,802 nautical miles and the two Clipper 68s will be racing against IMOCA 60s, Class 40s and multihulls, as well as the 100 foot maxi ICAP Leopard, which is looking to break Artemis Ocean Racing’s 2006 record of 7 days, 4 hours, 29 minutes, 40 seconds.

Teams will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and race clockwise around Britain and Ireland.

Returning to take charge of Hull & Humber after he was evacuated in the North Pacific after breaking his leg during the latest Clipper race, is Salisbury based skipper, Piers Dudin.

“It’ll be great to get back on board Hull & Humber. The doctor has given me the all clear and I can't wait to get sailing again,” Dudin enthused.

“This race is one of the world's classic coastal races and has been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time and to be able to race on Hull & Humber will be a great occasion. I'm looking forward to meeting the crew for training and getting the big orange boat racing again.”

Skipper of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, Matt Pike, will be handing over charge of the Scottish entry to Uniquely Singapore’s skipper, Jim Dobie, who will be bringing some Scottish blood to the team.

“My dad is originally from Scotland, he grew up in Dumfries and I’ve still got some family up there - so I hope to do them proud by doing well in this race,” said Dobie, who is an Australian.

“I’m really excited about it and it will be nice to get back racing again now that Clipper 09-10 has finished. It’s a renowned race and, coming from Australia, it’s a new race for me – so to circumnavigate Britain and Ireland will be great.”

Both skippers will be leading mixed teams with experienced crew from previous Clipper Races as well as recently trained Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race crew who are looking at getting some Clipper 68 racing experience prior to the next edition of the biennial challenge which starts in August 2011.

RORC Racing Manager, Ian Loffhagen, says, “The Royal Ocean Racing Club is delighted that Clipper Ventures is entering two boats in the 2010 Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. The course is a serious offshore challenge that will test every competitor to the full. As such it represents the essence of what the RORC and Clipper Ventures are about.”

National Maritime Festival 2010

Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2011
11th - 14th February 2011

view all events