Round-the-world race sets sail from Portsmouth
More than 700 crew are taking part in the 40,000 nautical mile journey
Last updated 3rd Sep 2023
Portsmouth is hosting the start of one of sailing's toughest challenges.
A fleet of eleven racing yachts will depart from Gunwharf Quays this afternoon for the Clipper round the world race.
More than 700 crew are taking part in the 40,000 nautical mile journey.
Organisers say no prior sailing experience is necessary before undertaking the training required.
Before setting sail, crew take on an intensive compulsory four-stage training programme before going on to tackle some of the most challenging conditions that Mother Nature can serve up, from freezing temperatures and 40-foot waves to the blistering heat and flat calms of the tropics.
Teachers will race against tattoo artists, electricians and students in one of the biggest tests of human endurance.
Each of the eleven teams are led by a professional race Skipper, and a First Mate. The youngest race Skipper is Hannah Brewis, 26, from Grantham, who grew up learning to race on Rutland Water at school.
The eleven-strong fleet of ocean racing yachts will depart the Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, to embark on the race of their lives this Sunday. The event will be live streamed, with a link that you can access for broadcast, with details provided below.
TIMINGS
12:30 Pre-race celebrations, teams on stage
13:30 Fleet to depart, one yacht at a time in intervals
14:30 Parade of Sail out in Portsmouth Harbour
16:00 Official Clipper 2023-24 Race Start in the Solent / racing action