HMS Illustrious accompanies the fleet of 10 boats out of Southampton at the start of their year-long Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The 70 foot yachts traveled 64,500km across the globe, visiting 15 ports on six continents.
Bon Voyage —
HMS Illustrious accompanies the fleet of 10 boats out of Southampton at the start of their year-long Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The 70 foot yachts traveled 64,500km across the globe, visiting 15 ports on six continents.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
More than 500 amateur sailors took part earlier this year, with the choice of joining for one of eight legs or the full circumnavigation. Recruiting is now on for next year's race, starting in July 2013.
A grand adventure —
More than 500 amateur sailors took part earlier this year, with the choice of joining for one of eight legs or the full circumnavigation. Recruiting is now on for next year's race, starting in July 2013.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Crew from vessel De Lage Landen admire the view. Each yacht was named after a sponsor city from across the world.
International race —
Crew from vessel De Lage Landen admire the view. Each yacht was named after a sponsor city from across the world.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1969, founded the annual clipper race 16 years ago.
Hard Knox —
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1969, founded the annual clipper race 16 years ago.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
The majority of competitors have never sailed a boat in their lives. After a three-week intensive training course they're forced to quickly learn the ropes on the high seas.
Steep learning curve —
The majority of competitors have never sailed a boat in their lives. After a three-week intensive training course they're forced to quickly learn the ropes on the high seas.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
A vessel arrives in San Fransisco on leg nine of the 13-leg race. Sailors can join for just one segment or the full year-long circumnavigation.
Golden opportunity —
A vessel arrives in San Fransisco on leg nine of the 13-leg race. Sailors can join for just one segment or the full year-long circumnavigation.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Residents from Qingdao in China lay out the red carpet when their sponsored boat docks during the race. Qingdao finished ninth out of a field of ten yachts.
Warm welcome —
Residents from Qingdao in China lay out the red carpet when their sponsored boat docks during the race. Qingdao finished ninth out of a field of ten yachts.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
The boat Visit Finland arrives in New York. With limited access to phones and internet, crews are essentially cut off from the outside world until they dock at port.
Big Apple —
The boat Visit Finland arrives in New York. With limited access to phones and internet, crews are essentially cut off from the outside world until they dock at port.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Sailor Nik Brbora was taken to hospital by U.S coast guards after his yacht, Geraldton Western Australia, was struck by a storm in the South Pacific.
Drama on the seas —
Sailor Nik Brbora was taken to hospital by U.S coast guards after his yacht, Geraldton Western Australia, was struck by a storm in the South Pacific.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Undeterred, crew aboard the Geraldton Western Australia arrive in San Francisco a day after two crew members were rescued.
High spirits —
Undeterred, crew aboard the Geraldton Western Australia arrive in San Francisco a day after two crew members were rescued.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Qingdao crew members, David Hall and Joanna Sandford, embrace after arriving in Western Australia. "You learn a lot about the people on board -- it's human interaction on a really deep level," said sailor Lisa Blair.
Strong bonds —
Qingdao crew members, David Hall and Joanna Sandford, embrace after arriving in Western Australia. "You learn a lot about the people on board -- it's human interaction on a really deep level," said sailor Lisa Blair.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Along with the challenges are moments of joy, with stunning sunsets, close interactions with wildlife and a sense of wonder at nature.
Picture perfect —
Along with the challenges are moments of joy, with stunning sunsets, close interactions with wildlife and a sense of wonder at nature.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Crowds gather in Southampton to welcome home boats after their 12-month adventure around the world.
Hero's welcome —
Crowds gather in Southampton to welcome home boats after their 12-month adventure around the world.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World
Crew aboard winning boat Gold Coast arrive in Southampton. Crew member and former retail assistant Lisa Blair now teaches sailing professionally and hopes to circumnavigate the world solo.
Gold class —
Crew aboard winning boat Gold Coast arrive in Southampton. Crew member and former retail assistant Lisa Blair now teaches sailing professionally and hopes to circumnavigate the world solo.
Courtesy Clipper Round the World