California to field yacht in Clipper fleet 2010

11:00 AM Thu 13 Nov 2008 GMT

'Clipper fleet leaves Cork - Clipper 07-08' Clipper Ventures Plc &copy Click Here to view large photo

State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has thrown his support behind America's first west coast entry in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race.The race organisers Clipper Ventures Plc announced that California will field a racing yacht in the next edition of the biennial event and host a stopover when the fleet races in from China in April 2010.

California will compete against nine other internationally sponsored ocean racing yachts in a gruelling 35,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe.

In a letter of support, Governor Schwarzenegger says, 'California is honoured to be a stop on this voyage, and especially to have one of the participating yachts named after our state. I have no doubt that California will be the best boat out there and that all the vessels will receive a warm welcome from the Golden State when they reach our shores.'

On 13 September 2009 the Clipper fleet will set sail from the Humber in the north east of England returning on 3 July 2010 after ten months of ocean racing and 14 port stopovers. The only round the world yacht race for non-professional sailors brings together crews from all walks of life and different nationalities who are joined by the desire to take on the challenge of a lifetime and represent their countries on a global stage.

Chairman and founder of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, says, 'We're delighted the yacht California has the backing of Governor Schwarzenegger and I am sure this campaign will ignite enthusiasm not just in the state but throughout America. Importantly this project is not just for sailors; it is about people who want to stand above their peers, release their potential, and achieve their personal goals - just the qualities Californians are renowned and respected for.'

Earlier this year, the race saw its first west coast stop as the fleet put in to Santa Cruz at the end of the North Pacific leg of the Clipper 07-08 Race. The welcome and hospitality extended by the Santa Cruz Yacht Club proved so popular with crews - and created such an impact on the sailing community locally - that the yacht club set up a committee to raise support for a greater involvement in the next race.

One Californian delighted by the news that her home state is to field an entry in Clipper 09-10 is 39-year-old Shana Bagley, a deputy attorney from Walnut Creek, California, who has recently been accepted as a crew member on the race.

Shana says, 'It's fantastic news that there will be a boat called California in the Clipper 09-10 Race and I hope that other Californians take this opportunity to join me in representing our state around the world. I'm sure the Californian stopover will be lots of fun and that the Clipper fleet will receive a spectacular welcome.'

It is not too late for Californians to join Shana to represent their state in this global sporting event. Berths are still available for the Clipper 09-10 Race. No previous sailing experience is required as full training is provided. Clipper Crew Recruitment Manager David Cusworth will be in California between 3 and 9 December 2008 and will hold a series of presentations across the state for those wishing to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

For further details on the presentations or applying to become a crew member email: oceanracer(at)clipperroundtheworld.com, or telephone: +44 (0) 2392 526000.

More information about the race can be found at www.clipperroundtheworld.com.

by Clipper event media

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California to field yacht in Clipper fleet 2010

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