Another Clipper signing

Glasgow comes on board again for 2005-6 round the world race

Clipper Ventures PLC has today selected the city of Glasgow as the Scottish entry in the prestigious Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. As part of the agreement, the AIM listed company chaired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston also announced that Glasgow is to host one of the prologue races ahead of the competitive ten-month event, which sets sail from Liverpool in September 2005.

Councillor Alex Mosson, a keen supporter of the city’s past Clipper campaigns and Spokesperson for Glasgow City Council Marketing and Events, and legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston today jointly launched the city’s new race entry at 11:30 GMT at the Glasgow Moat House overlooking the city’s famed River Clyde.

The agreement with Glasgow City Council will see the city competing for the 'Clipper World Cup' against a truly international line-up with teams already signed up from Liverpool (UK), Durban (SA), Western Australia, Singapore and the Channel Island of Jersey, defenders of the race title.

Designed by Dubois Naval Architects and built by Shanghai Double Happiness Yachts in China, Glasgow’s new racing yacht is one of a ten-strong fleet to be raced by international teams of 17 crew and a skipper. The all-new Clipper race sets sail from Liverpool, European Capital of Culture in 2008, on 18, September 2005 and will follow a newly challenging course around the globe.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, race organiser and first man to sail solo non-stop around the world, said: "We are very excited to welcome Glasgow to our international line-up. This is a significant milestone for the race as we have now only four further city entries to announce in what is our most exciting and globally contested round the world race to date. The introduction of competitive prologue races further demonstrates the transition of our race into a world-class sporting event."

Councillor Mosson added: "Today’s announcement is fantastic news for Scottish sport as a whole; the Clipper race provides a wonderful showcase for our sportsmen and women, but also has the power to motivate more people than ever before to take part in sailing. The promotional and tourism benefits of our participation are also considerable, which alongside the positive economic impact, will reaffirm the city’s commitment to the promotion of Glasgow on the international stage. If we win the race for Scotland, so much the better!"

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist Board, added: "We have worked very successfully with Clipper Ventures in the past to host extremely productive sales missions at ports-of-call in the US and Japan during previous races. As a consequence, we look forward to taking Glasgow: Scotland with style around the globe in the Clipper 05-06 Race."

Glasgow’s involvement in the nation versus nation Clipper 05-06 Race has been secured by the Glasgow City Council and Fast Track Sailing, the exclusive global commercial and media partner for the event.