The Clipper Race Yacht Club was officially launched at a ceremony at St Katharine’s Dock on Friday 24th April held onboard the Clipper yacht Hull and Humber. Club President, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was joined by Vice Presidents Sir Keith Mills and Gordon Whiteley. Colin de Mowbray and Jim Dick, Commodore and Vice Commodore, respectively, and a host of supporting members were also in attendance.

Gordon Whiteley, a crew member in Chysolite on the original race in 1996, told the gathering about his experiences and how his interview quickly came to a successful conclusion once he assured his interviewer, the legendary Spud Spedding, that he could write a cheque for £4,500.

Sir Keith quipped “You got away lightly. I had Alex Thomson as my Skipper and my involvement with his single handed sailing campaigns have cost me considerable more than that figure. Not only that, circumstances then led me into challenging for the America’s Cup! Despite all this, I look back to my experience as a Clipper crewmember with great fondness and as a very important part of my life.”

Colin de Mowbray, Commodore of the CRYC, stated that the Club membership had exceeded all targets and was now approaching 400 and that the club had already staged a couple of successful events.

Details of the Clipper Race Yacht Club are at: www.clipperraceyc.com