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2006 5-Oceans singlehanded round the world race to visit Western Australia

Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, today announced that Fremantle will become a host port stopover for the 2006 5-Oceans race (formerly known as the BOC Challenge/Around Alone). Knox-Johnston said “The 5-Oceans race needs top quality stopovers hosted by communities who are passionate about the sport. Fremantle certain fits the bill & our growing partnership with WA Tourism will ensure that the infrastructure and welcome for the solo sailors will be something special.

“As event organisers Clipper Ventures Plc we are committed to a 5-Oceans event which delivers a route which works for competitors, sponsors, media & the public followers of this classic race. The start & finish will either be from USA or France, with several bids under negotiation. It will then stop in South Africa before the sprint to Fremantle. A stopover in New Zealand is provisionally planned before the Southern Ocean leg to Brazil.

Hot on the heels of securing host port status for the Clipper 2005 Round the World Yacht Race, Western Australia Tourism Minister Bob Kucera today confirmed this exciting 5-Oceans hosting deal for Fremantle.

“This event is known as sailing’s ultimate challenge, and will reinforce Fremantle’s return to international yachting prominence,” Kucera said. “As with the Clipper Race, Fremantle will be the only Australian stop for these sailors, which represents quite a coup for the State, and for the Fremantle Sailing Club, and the visit will provide a valuable jobs boost in the tourism and hospitality industries.”

Competitors will sail in IMOCA Open 60 & 50 class yachts. They will start in September 2006 and undertake 5 legs, crossing the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Pacific Oceans, during their 27,000 mile trek. The field will be international, with entrants expected from France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, the United States, New Zealand, Japan and Canada as well as Australia.

Clipper CEO, William Ward added “This announcement illustrates our determination to secure top quality host ports for our two races, and follows on from similar recent announcements on Liverpool, Durban & Fremantle as host ports for our Clipper race. As a business we are well aware that a route that works for competitors & sponsors is a good business decision for Clipper”