News

Clipper Race chairman bowled over

By Du Shu (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-02-26 07:29

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman and founder of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, profusely praised Qingdao's organization and preparation for the Clipper 07-08 Race when he attended the award ceremony for the sixth race in the city, the sixth stopover of the sailing event.

"The Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee is an efficient and friendly team. Its work is professional, particular, considerate and enthusiastic. They arranged an amazing welcome ceremony. All the sailors could feel Qingdao's hospitality. It could be the most valuable and memorable moment of their lives," said Sir Robin.

"I express my gratitude to Mayor Xia and Qingdao locals for their warm welcome and friendliness."

Sir Robin also expressed admiration for the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. "It is amazing to see such a fantastic venue. The facilities here can fully meet Olympic standards. I believe Qingdao will hold a successful Olympic Sailing Regatta," he noted.

Speaking of the future of the Clipper Race, he said: "The original idea of founding the Clipper Race event was to let more ordinary people realize their dream of sailing around the world. This policy will not be changed.

"Now, according to the event pattern, the cities sponsor the event and name one sailing boat. This can promote communication between different countries and cities. To deepen such communication, we consider connecting with universities in different cities and naming the sailing boats after them."

The Clipper Race has become more international over the years. It is not just a sports event, being rather a window for sponsor cities to introduce themselves to the world, like Qingdao did, as Clipper takes on the mission of economic and cultural communication, Sir Robin added.

"The Olympic Sailing Regatta will make sailing much more popular. I hope, two years later, when I come to Qingdao again, more Chinese can join it."

One of the most famous round-the-world yacht races, the Clipper Race was founded by Sir Robin in 1996. The total journey covers 35,000 nautical miles, and the 10-month event has successfully been held five times thus far.

Sir Robin, 69, was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968, and also set the record for the fastest circumnavigation with Sir Peter Blake a few years later.

In 2007, he completed his second solo circumnavigation when he competed in the Velux 5 Oceans race. At age 68, he was the oldest competitor in the event.

Last month, he received the Raymarine/YJA Yachtsman of the Year award - the principal honor for British excellence in power or sail boating-for an unprecedented third time.

(China Daily 02/26/2008 page24)