Jamaica in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will field an entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for the first time when one of the yachts competing in the 2007/08 race will be named “Jamaica”.
Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Burchell Whiteman will participate in the official naming ceremony at Albert Dock, in Liverpool, on Saturday, September 15, in a ceremony to be attended by sailing legend, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc.
The race, which starts in Liverpool on Sunday, September 16, will see participants calling at Port Antonio, Jamaica, on May 19 next year, during the 35,000-mile circumnavigation.
Although Jamaica will compete for the first time, it will not be the first time that the race will enjoy the country’s hospitality. Ten yachts berthed at Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio during a port visit in the Clipper 2005/06 Race.
Mr. Whiteman said he was pleased a yacht named “Jamaica” would be in the 2007/08 race.
“Port Antonio enjoyed showing off its hidden treasures during the Clipper Race visit in 2006. I am delighted that there will be a yacht named “Jamaica” in Clipper 2007/08 that will be representing our country, as they race around the world. I wish all the yachts every success in their great endeavour. Jamaica looks forward to extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all the crews and their families in 2008,” he said.
The JTB’s Regional Director for the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, Elizabeth Fox said the JTB was delighted to be part of the race. “We’re delighted to be a part of this exciting yacht race, which will bring both the island of Jamaica and the charming harbour of Port Antonio under the international spotlight. Jamaica already receives nearly 200,000 British visitors a year, but we hope that Jamaica’s association with this race will inspire even more to visit our beautiful island. We wish the Jamaica crew the fastest and safest of journeys and will ensure that there is a great Jamaican welcome for them when they arrive in the country next May,” she said.
The crew members of Jamaica are said to be pleased to become ambassadors for the island and the JTB will be conducting briefing sessions for the Captain, Simon Bradley and the crew.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to be representing Jamaica. It is a country with a great identity, recognised around the world. I’m very proud,” Mr. Bradley said. The Clipper 2007/08 race is the only global yacht race for non-professional yachtsmen and women.
Approximately 40 per cent of those who take part have never sailed before embarking on their pre-race training.