One Massive Sea Challenge Stops Over In Whitsundays

One of the world’s biggest sailing challenges, The Clipper Race is steering into the Whitsundays, as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of the 40,000 nautical mile race.

As of date of print, the Clipper Race has been sailing for 48 days, with each vessel a mammoth 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Having kicked off in September, the crews have braved wild weather, harsh winds, and glorious sunshine.

Championed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first individual to sail solo, uninterrupted around the world, the first Clipper Race took place in 1996.

Since then, close to 6,000 sailors, from over 60 countries have signed on to the challenge.

The Clipper Race is unique, with it being the only race to supply racers a fleet of 11 identical racing yachts, which have a fully qualified skipper and first mate. Crews must complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before they can compete.

Clipper Racers are estimated to arrive in the Whitsundays from January 16 to 17, and competitors will have a rest before the race kicks back off on January 22.

The Clipper Race is set to conclude in July this year, from East Coast, United States of America, back to the United Kingdom.

Stopping over in at Coral Sea Marina, as part of the Asia-Pacific leg of the race, the community are welcome to see the majesty racers and their vessels.

The Coral Sea Marina is also welcoming all to tour on of the Clipper 70 Racing Yachts. With above and below deck tours, you can see the very vessel that is crossing the ocean six times over the 40,000 nautical miles.

On deck, test your skills with one of the eleven winches, that hoist the sails over 29 metre mast. Below deck, explore the Navigation Station, galley, bunks, stowage and see where the 20 Clipper Race Crew live.

This opportunity is on Friday January 29, from 10am to 3pm, at the Coral Sea Marina. All ages welcome at no cost.

Community members are also invited to witness these Clipper crews race it out on the small screen, using Whitsunday Sailing Club RS Quest dinghies, for the monumental Little Ripper Clipper Cup.

The next added extra of this fantastic event is the invitation to witness the beginning of the next leg of the race.

The fleet of 11 will line up in Pioneer Bay, before jetting past the Great Barrier Reef to start Race 5. Community members are welcome to witness this parade from the water, or you can watch the departure from the ground at the south end of the Coral Sea Marina.

WHAT: Little Ripper Clipper Cup

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

WHEN: Thursday January 18, from 11am

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WHAT: Tour a Clipper 70 Racing Yacht

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Friday, January 19, from 10am to 3pm

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WHAT: Meet the Aussie Locals

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina Gardens

WHEN: Saturday January 20, from 4pm to 6pm

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WHAT: Parade of Sails, Clipper Race

WHERE: Coral Sea Marina

WHEN: Monday, January 22, from 12 to 1.30pm

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The winning crew of Race 4, Ha Long Bay Viet Nam, who are currently 7th place. Image supplied