As debate over the EU budget intensifies the Government is hoping to promote trade links in other countries by linking up with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s round the word race.

Sports and Tourism Minister, Hugh Robertson, launched a campaign to woo 10 top businessmen to shell out £150,00 each to sponsor a Great Britain branded boat in the next Clipper Race.

The campaign known as the Global Trade Winds Partnership will promote British business in key international markets alongside the world’s longest yacht race, helping to maintain the British sailing legacy built on the success of Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games.

‘For 17 years the Clipper Race has played a leading role in promoting British sailing and is now a core asset for British business internationally. We have experienced a truly memorable 2012, and it is organisations like this that will continue to push our sporting prowess.
‘This is a unique opportunity, bringing together our sporting legacy with some of the strongest and most vibrant British brands. I look forward to seeing a GREAT Britain yacht launch in 2013,’ he said.

Sir Robin said: ‘In the current economic climate our horizons need to be global to take advantage of trading opportunities in developing and growing markets; innovative approaches are required to be more competitive. We look forward to working with GREAT British brand partners, and the UK Government through the Prime Minister’s office, to deliver a powerful and effective international marketing campaign.’

The ninth edition of the Clipper Race will start from the UK next summer and take a year to complete with more than 600 crew participating over the eight leg series in a new matched fleet of twelve 70 foot ocean racing yachts. The event attracts large global media audiences with a cumulative reach in excess of two billion people in more than 200 countries.